In the high-stakes world of European football, the gap between a multi-million euro investment and actual pitch time can sometimes feel like an abyss. For Jeremy Arevalo, the Ecuadorian forward now at VfB Stuttgart, that gap is currently measured in minutes. Despite a significant transfer fee and a contract that secures his future until 2031, Arevalo has spent more time as a spectator than a participant since arriving in Swabia.
The central question haunting the player’s current trajectory is whether this lack of playing time has ruined his chances of playing in the World Cup. For a three-time Ecuador international, the lack of competitive rhythm in the Bundesliga is more than just a club-level frustration; it is a direct threat to his national team aspirations, especially as Ecuador finds itself drawn in the same group as Germany.
Since the end of January, the numbers have been stark. Arevalo has managed only four brief appearances, totaling a mere six minutes of action. While the club maintains a posture of faith, the reality of a seven-million-euro signing spending his afternoons on the bench creates a tension that is challenging to ignore in the eyes of both the fans and the national team selectors.
The Struggle for Integration in Swabia
Coming to a latest league is rarely seamless, but Arevalo’s transition has been particularly grueling. Upon his arrival, the forward expressed a clear ambition: “I want to settle in quickly, keep developing and aid the team succeed together.” However, the “settling in” process has largely occurred from the sidelines, including a recent absence from the squad during a clash against Borussia Dortmund (BVB).
The club’s sporting hierarchy, led by figures like Wohlgemuth, has been quick to defend the investment. Wohlgemuth has emphasized that the club still sees significant potential in Jeremy and intends to develop that talent over the long term. This patience is codified in the length of his contract, which runs through 2031, signaling that VfB Stuttgart views him as a long-term asset rather than a short-term gamble.
To aid his transition, the club has implemented a peer-support system. Under instructions from Hoeneß, Spanish-speaking teammates, including Chema Andres, have been tasked with helping Arevalo integrate into the culture and tactical demands of the team. This mirrors the support system provided to other international signings in the past, acknowledging that the psychological hurdle of moving to Germany can be as daunting as the physical one.
The Cost of Patience
While the club speaks of “potential,” the financial optics remain challenging. A seven-million-euro price tag for a player who has seen only a handful of minutes suggests a disconnect between the scouting report and the current reality on the pitch. To justify this investment, Arevalo must transition from a “prospect” to a contributor before the summer break.
The following table outlines the current status of Arevalo’s integration since his late-January window of opportunity:
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Appearances | 4 |
| Total Minutes Played | 6 |
| Contract Duration | Until 2031 |
| International Status | 3-time Ecuador International |
The World Cup Clock is Ticking
The lack of minutes in the Bundesliga creates a precarious situation for Arevalo’s international standing. National team coaches typically prioritize “match fitness” and current form over raw potential. With the World Cup on the horizon, every single minute of competitive play is a currency that Arevalo is currently failing to accumulate.
The stakes are heightened by the group stage draws. With Ecuador and Germany placed in the same group, Arevalo finds himself in the paradoxical position of fighting for a spot on a team that will face the very league he is struggling to break into. If he cannot secure a regular role at Stuttgart, he risks being overlooked for the tournament in favor of players with consistent game time in their respective leagues.
However, there is a glimmer of hope. During the most recent international break, coach Sebastian Beccacece demonstrated continued faith by giving Arevalo two late cameos. These appearances suggest that while his club situation is stagnant, the Ecuadorian coaching staff is still willing to provide a pathway, provided the player can prove his readiness.
The ‘Late Bloomer’ Narrative
The club’s hope is that Arevalo fits the profile of a “late bloomer”—a player whose peak development occurs later than the typical prodigy. If this narrative holds, the current period of inactivity is merely a lull before a breakthrough. But in professional football, the label of “late bloomer” is often used to mask a lack of immediate impact. For Arevalo, the coming weeks before the summer break are not just about settling in; they are about survival in the eyes of the public and the national team.
The pressure now shifts to the coaching staff to determine if the “patience” mentioned by Wohlgemuth will translate into actual opportunities. Without a shift in the rotation, the risk remains that a seven-million-euro talent will enter the World Cup cycle as a reserve, regardless of his theoretical ceiling.
The next critical checkpoint for Arevalo will be the final stretch of matches leading into the summer break, where his ability to break into the matchday squad will determine if he is a genuine contender for Ecuador’s World Cup roster.
We want to hear from you: Do you believe a long-term contract (until 2031) justifies a lack of immediate playing time for high-priced signings? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
