Joel Chima Fujita on Stuttgart’s Radar: Another Endo Wataru in the Making?

Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart are reportedly pursuing Japanese midfielder Joel Chima Fujita, currently playing for Sint-Truiden in Belgium. According to sources in Germany, Stuttgart have already initiated contact behind the scenes, eyeing a permanent transfer for the 23-year-old.

Fujita is highly rated for his precise distribution, tireless work rate, and strength in duels—attributes that mark him as a complete defensive midfielder. His development trajectory closely mirrors that of Wataru Endo, the Japan captain who also moved from Sint-Truiden to Stuttgart before earning a transfer to Liverpool.

As captain of Japan's U-23 team set to compete at the Paris Olympics this summer, Fujita is emerging as a regular candidate for the senior national squad under Hajime Moriyasu. He featured in 33 league games for Sint-Truiden this season, tallying four assists. In a crucial relegation-deciding fixture against Kortrijk on May 10, he delivered a vital assist, not only contributing technically but also proving his leadership qualities.

Currently sitting ninth in the Bundesliga with one match left, Stuttgart have maintained strong ties with Japanese talent in recent years, having previously signed players like Hiroki Ito and Anrie Chase. Head coach Sebastian Hoeneß, who is set to stay for the next season, is said to have a deep appreciation for the Japanese mentality and work ethic.

A move to Stuttgart could represent the ideal next step for Fujita, who is targeting a place in Japan’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. With World Cup qualifiers against Australia and Indonesia scheduled for June, he is expected to receive another senior call-up—possibly even his debut in the ongoing campaign.

Player Profile – Joel Chima Fujita
Born February 16, 2002, in Tokyo, Fujita began his career with Machida Okura FC before joining Tokyo Verdy’s youth ranks. He debuted in the J.League in September 2019 and later moved through Tokushima Vortis and Yokohama F. Marinos before transferring to Sint-Truiden in July 2023. A right-footed midfielder standing 1.72m tall and weighing 70kg, he has been selected across various Japanese youth national teams and has earned two senior caps to date.

Club Profile – VfB Stuttgart
Founded in 1893 and based in Baden-Württemberg, Stuttgart are one of Germany’s most storied clubs, with three Bundesliga titles and three DFB-Pokal triumphs. Notable Japanese alumni include Shinji Okazaki, Gotoku Sakai, and national team captain Wataru Endo. Their home, the MHP Arena, seats over 60,000 spectators.