Heidenheim have officially taken VfB Stuttgart defender Leonidas Stergiou on loan. The deal between the two Bundesliga outfits had been in the works for some time, but stalled due to VfB head coach Sebastian Hoeneß’ concerns about his thin defensive ranks. Stuttgart – winners of both their fixtures since the 2026 Bundesliga restart are now satisfied with their back-four consisting of Josha Vagnoman, Ramon Hendriks, Jeff Chabot, and Maximilian Mittelstädt.
Sky Germany and Kicker both report that the loan deal does not include a purchase option. Kicker also notes that Stuttgart will receive a low six-figure loan fee as part of the transaction. With Stergiou, Heidenheim have now secured both a new right back and a new left back during the current January transfer window.
Stergiou can help on the right whilst Hoffenheim reservist Hennes Behrens shores up the left. Stergiou often featured regularly as a centre-back under Hoeneß during his 18 appearances across all competitions last season. This year, the 23-year-old sometimes played in central defense for the Stuttgart reserves.
Statements on Stergiou’s move
“With Leonidas Stergiou, we are adding a player to our defense who knows the Bundesliga inside out and, despite his young age, already has considerable experience,” FCH CEO Holger Sanwald noted in a club statement. “We are convinced that Leo can help us immediately in the current challenging situation with his footballing quality and his attitude on the pitch.”
“I am very happy about this loan within the Bundesliga,” Stergiou himself added. “It is a great opportunity for me to get regular playing time again and to help FCH stay in the league at the end of the season.”
