Sebastian Hoeneß reveals Jamie Leweling stance after Everton transfer interest

Everton’s summer pursuit of Jamie Leweling ultimately came to nothing, with VfB Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeneß revealing the winger needed no convincing to remain in Germany.

The 25-year-old attracted Premier League interest during the transfer window, with Everton among the clubs considering a move. Roma also pushed for Leweling and reportedly reached an agreement with Stuttgart late in the window.

Leweling, however, decided against leaving.

Stuttgart endured a difficult end to the transfer market after losing midfielder Chema Andrés to Brighton, but they successfully retained several other important players.

Leweling and Bilal El Khannouss were both linked with departures during the summer, including interest from Everton.

Roma went furthest in their pursuit of Leweling and agreed a deal with Stuttgart, only for the player to reject the move.

That ensured he remained with Hoeneß for the 2026/27 campaign.

Speaking after the transfer window closed, Hoeneß was asked whether he had played a role in persuading Leweling to stay.

“No, I didn’t have to,” the Stuttgart manager said.

“VfB is a very attractive destination and an incredibly exciting club.

“The lads are thinking about their careers and their next steps, and that is likely exactly why they chose VfB Stuttgart.”

Hoeneß admitted the uncertainty surrounding several players had made the final stages of the window difficult for his squad.

“It was simply a turbulent time, we need calm and focus now, and we have to make sure we look ahead,” he said. “It’s not been easy for us and the team.”

With the window now closed, Hoeneß is pleased with the attacking options remaining in his squad.

“I am very satisfied with the players we’ve brought in,” he added. “We have a wide range of options in attack and strong competition for places.”

Keeping Leweling is an important part of that. Despite opportunities to leave Stuttgart, including concrete interest from Roma and links with Everton, the winger ultimately decided his immediate future was best served in Germany.

For Everton, it means another summer target remained out of reach before the deadline.

Leweling will now remain with Stuttgart and compete for a major role in Hoeneß’s attack after choosing not to pursue a summer move.

With the transfer speculation finished, Stuttgart can turn their attention back to performances on the pitch. Everton, meanwhile, will have to decide whether Leweling remains a player of interest when the January transfer window approaches.