The upcoming summer transfer window is once again shaping up to spark intense rivalry between two of Europe’s biggest football powerhouses. According to multiple reports, Real Madrid and Manchester United are both eyeing Stuttgart’s rising star Angelo Stiller, a 24-year-old German midfielder who has been outstanding in the Bundesliga.
Stiller Under Real Madrid’s Radar
Real Madrid have actually been monitoring Stiller since last season. His ability to dictate play in the middle of the park, combined with his tactical intelligence, has convinced Los Blancos that he could be an ideal candidate for their midfield succession plan. With Toni Kroos and Luka Modric entering the twilight of their careers, Madrid are actively searching for long-term replacements who can sustain the team’s dominance.
However, Madrid initially decided to hold back on making an official move, focusing instead on pursuing other marquee signings. That decision has now opened the door for Manchester United to step in and seriously challenge for the Stuttgart star.
Manchester United Turn to Angelo Stiller After Baleba Blow
For Manchester United, the pursuit of Stiller comes after their failure to secure another top midfield target, Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion. The Seagulls reportedly demanded a transfer fee in excess of £100 million, a figure United’s hierarchy deemed far too excessive. As a result, Erik ten Hag and his recruitment team were forced to explore alternative options—and Stiller quickly emerged as one of the most realistic and affordable solutions.
Sky Sports News has reported that United’s scouting department is now closely monitoring Stiller’s performances and are ready to prioritize him in their summer transfer shortlist.
With Ten Hag under pressure to rebuild his squad, the Dutch manager sees Stiller as the kind of player who can provide both control and balance in midfield, while also contributing to the team’s long-term vision. At just 24, the German international is seen as the perfect blend of youth and experience, having already proven himself in one of Europe’s toughest leagues with Stuttgart.
Real Madrid Keeping the Door Open
Despite United’s growing interest, Real Madrid are not completely out of the race. Reports in Spain suggest that Madrid are keeping a close eye on Stiller’s situation, ready to pounce should their primary transfer targets fall through in the next market.
Los Blancos view him as a player who could bring fresh balance to the midfield once the Kroos-Modric era officially ends. While he may not yet have the global star status of Madrid’s usual Galáctico signings, Stiller represents a smart, strategic investment for the future.
The Complicated Transfer Clause
One significant obstacle for both clubs is Stiller’s release clause. The Stuttgart midfielder reportedly has a €40 million buyout clause—but it can only be triggered in 2026. Until then, Stuttgart maintain full control of his future.
Interestingly, there is a unique condition attached: the release clause could be removed entirely if Stuttgart choose to pay the player an additional €2 million in compensation. This means that both Real Madrid and Manchester United will likely have to negotiate directly with the German club, potentially driving the transfer battle into a more complex—and competitive—arena.
A Fierce Transfer Tug-of-War Looms
With both Madrid and United in need of midfield reinforcements, the battle for Angelo Stiller could become one of the most intriguing storylines of the upcoming transfer window.
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For Manchester United, Stiller offers a chance to bring in a versatile, dynamic midfielder without breaking the bank after their disappointment with Baleba.
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For Real Madrid, he represents a long-term investment who can help smooth the transition into the post-Kroos and Modric era.
Given his age, profile, and proven Bundesliga pedigree, it would not be surprising if other top European clubs also joined the race. One thing is certain: Angelo Stiller’s name will be at the center of transfer headlines in the months to come.
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