Tim van der Ley: This is an important step in my career, and I am very much looking forward to playing for Stuttgart.

Stuttgart Football Club has officially confirmed the signing of Dutch striker Tim van der Ley, who transferred from RKC Waalwijk. The two sides have signed a four-year contract, valid until June 30, 2030.  

This 1.93-meter-tall striker performed brilliantly in the Dutch Eerste Divisie last season, scoring 13 goals in 33 appearances, plus 4 more in cup competitions, for a total of 17 goals. He helped Waalwijk finish sixth in the league and qualify for the promotion playoffs, but ultimately failed to achieve promotion. Tim van der Ley has completed his medical examination and will begin pre-season training with the Stuttgart U21 team on June 24th, gradually working his way up to the first team.  

Stuttgart's sporting director, Christian Gentner, said: "Tim van der Ley is a very talented striker with exciting technical skills. He performed exceptionally well at Waalwijk and demonstrated his value through his goals. We will fully support his development at Stuttgart and look forward to building a future together."  

Tim van der Ley said after joining the club: “This is an important step in my career and a very good opportunity. I am looking forward to playing for Stuttgart. I have been following their games and know that the club has done an excellent job in developing young players in recent years. I hope to grow step by step and integrate into the team as soon as possible, and strive for success with my teammates.”  

"My position is center forward, and I'm used to operating in the middle. In addition to my physical condition and ability to withstand challenges, I will also try my best to use my skills to support the team, including protecting the ball and participating in attacking play. Of course, scoring goals is always the most important goal, and I hope to bring more victories to the team."  

“When I first came to the stadium, I was deeply attracted by the atmosphere and felt very impressed. The fans were very enthusiastic and the atmosphere was very loud. This kind of playing environment has always been my goal, and I hope to reach that level as soon as possible. At the same time, I also know that Stuttgart has qualified for European competitions for three consecutive years and has performed well in the German Cup.”  

Tim van der Ley was born on March 6, 2006, in Den Bosch, Netherlands, and was trained in the youth systems of PSV Eindhoven and Vitesse. He joined RKC Waalwijk in the summer of 2025, where he played his first professional season. His move to Stuttgart makes him the club's third signing this summer, following Hoffenheim midfielder Grisha Promel and Energie Cottbus goalkeeper Marius Fink.  

Image source: Internet/Stuttgart official website