Pejcinovic's dream Stuttgart debut sparks Germany talk

Dzenan Pejcinovic could hardly have asked for a better start to life at Stuttgart. The striker scored a hat-trick on his debut in the first round of the German Cup, a display that has quickly led to discussion over whether he can force his way into Juergen Klopp's Germany plans.

A statement debut after a major move

Pejcinovic arrived at Stuttgart from Wolfsburg in a deal worth 25 million euros, making him the club's biggest sale of the summer so far. The transfer followed Wolfsburg's relegation from the Bundesliga, which has triggered significant changes in the squad as a number of players have been unwilling to stay for second-tier football.

Stuttgart's pursuit of Pejcinovic was not straightforward. Talks between the clubs went on for a long time, and the final fee came close to Stuttgart's transfer record, which still belongs to Deniz Undav after his move from Brighton for almost 27 million euros.

Any scrutiny around that price tag was eased immediately in Rostock. Facing third-tier Hansa Rostock away from home, Stuttgart won 4-0 and Pejcinovic announced himself with three goals in what was widely described as a dream debut.

Why Germany attention has followed

The timing of the performance has added to the noise. Germany's first camp under Klopp will begin in September, and Pejcinovic's display has been framed as an early signal to the new national-team coach.

According to the source material, the striker's debut has already been highlighted in Germany as a performance that could put him on Klopp's radar ahead of that gathering. Stuttgart's dominance in the cup tie only strengthened the impression: they led 2-0 at half-time and finished the match with 21 shots, eight of them on target.

That does not amount to a call-up in itself, but it explains why the conversation has started so quickly. A high-profile transfer, a hat-trick on debut and a new era for the national team are enough to create immediate momentum around a young forward.

Measured reaction from Stuttgart

Pejcinovic himself kept the focus on the team after the match, saying the most important thing was reaching the next round and expressing satisfaction at repaying the trust shown in him. He also stressed that Stuttgart needed to push on after going 2-0 ahead, something they managed to do.

Head coach Sebastian Hoeness struck a similarly balanced tone. He said Stuttgart had worked hard to sign the player and described it as a dream start, while also warning that the club now has a responsibility to assess the sudden media attention properly.

Sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth also avoided overstatement, but his comments were revealing. He said Pejcinovic would continue to develop and establish himself in the Bundesliga, adding that such a path could eventually lead him to the national team.

What comes next

For now, the challenge is to carry that cup form into league football. Stuttgart begin the new Bundesliga season with an away game against Bayern Munich, a very different test from a first-round cup tie against lower-league opposition.

Still, Pejcinovic has already done the most important thing a new signing can do: give supporters, coaches and observers a reason to believe. Whether Germany recognition comes soon or later, his first appearance for Stuttgart has ensured his name is part of the conversation.