VfL Wolfsburg is actively reshaping its squad as the transfer window progresses. The Bundesliga club has confirmed two notable loan departures in recent days, signaling a clear intent to adjust personnel ahead of the new season.
French fullback Nicolas Cozza has completed his third loan spell to Nantes, a move that suggests a long-term future away from the German club. Alongside him, Croatian midfielder Bartol Franjic has also finalized a loan agreement, joining Italian side Venezia. These moves represent standard squad management, finding playing time for players not currently central to Wolfsburg`s immediate plans.
However, attention is now turning to another player who spent the previous season away from Wolfsburg on loan: Czech international winger Vaclav Cerny. The 27-year-old (soon to be 28) was sent to Scottish Premiership club Rangers, where he enjoyed a remarkably productive spell. Deployed primarily in an attacking role, Cerny found the net 18 times and provided 9 assists across 51 competitive appearances for the Glaswegian side. By any measure, this was a successful season showcasing significant attacking output.
Upon returning to Wolfsburg, Cerny`s situation is less clear. He originally joined the Wolves in the summer of 2023 for a fee reported to be around €8 million from FC Twente in the Netherlands. During the 2023/24 campaign with Wolfsburg, he made 25 competitive appearances, contributing 5 goals and 2 assists. While these numbers aren`t disastrous, they didn`t translate into him becoming a regular fixture in the starting lineup under the previous coaching setup.
With a change in leadership on the training ground since his arrival, Cerny`s place in the upcoming season`s plans appears uncertain. Despite proving he can deliver goals and assists consistently elsewhere, establishing himself at the Volkswagen Arena has been a challenge.
From a financial perspective, Wolfsburg invested a considerable sum in Cerny. Reports indicate his market value remains roughly consistent with the initial €8 million fee. This suggests the club might be open to recouping their investment, potentially through a sale or a loan with an obligation to buy, rather than risk the asset depreciating on the bench.
Rumors circulating from Italy suggest FC Torino could be the destination for Cerny. A potential move to Serie A would add another country to Cerny`s increasingly international career profile, having already played professionally in the Netherlands, Germany, and Scotland. It seems the search for consistent top-flight minutes may take him to a fourth European league.
As Wolfsburg continues to fine-tune its roster, the potential departure of Vaclav Cerny highlights the complexities of player transfers and the stark difference a change of club and league can make to a player`s performance and future prospects.
