Angelo Stiller is a long-term target for Man United’s hierarchy – Romano | OneFootball

Manchester United’s “mission” for the next year is to bring in an “important midfielder” as an overhaul of Ruben Amorim’s engine room is considered a top priority at Old Trafford, according to Fabrizio Romano.

A Long List of Targets

Naturally, United have compiled an extensive list of options to upgrade the midfield unit, at varying price points.

Within the Premier League, the exciting triumvirate of Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) and Carlos Baleba (Brighton) are all targets for the Red Devils.

But the financial strength of English football means clubs lower down the vision can still demand huge sums for their standout stars, with all three midfielders set to cost in excess of £100 million.

This does not rule out the prospect of one arriving, with United having already made overtures to signing Baleba last summer, but it makes the likelihood of two impossible.

As such, cheaper alternatives on the continent, such as Stiller – VFB Stuttgart’s 23-year-old midfield maestro – are also under consideration with Old Trafford executives believed to be targeting two options in midfield.

Other names linked are Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand, who has previously thrived under Amorim, and LOSC Lille starlet Ayyoub Bouaddi, widely considered the best young midfielder in Europe not already playing for a big club.

A Long-Term Target

Romano reveals the Red Devils are “showing interest” in Stiller, who has drawn comparisons to Toni Kroos, with Jason Wilcox – the club’s sporting director – having tracked the Germany international extensively.

“One of the names being linked to Manchester United is Angelo Stiller, a central midfielder who has been shining for years at Stuttgart and is also part of the German national team. A quality player, he is ready to make an instant impact but also has great potential in terms of future development.

“What’s the truth about his situation? Sources confirm the appreciation by the Red Devils, as Stiller has been on their shortlist of players monitored for years.

“Director of football Jason Wilcox is also understood to be one of the influential figures around Europe who has monitored Stiller more over recent years, so Manchester United are surely very attentive to him and his development.”

Stiller’s contract with Stuttgart runs until 2028. The Bundesliga club also have the option to buy out the release clause in his deal for “as little as a €2m (£1.7m) fee” Romano reveals – and they are “expected to do so.”

This would give Stuttgart a strong negotiating position by next summer if United come knocking with Romano contending a fee in the region of £44m-53m will be required to prise away the German club’s prized asset.

But under Wilcox’s influence since arriving at Old Trafford in May 2024, United have shown they are willing to do what it takes to secure key targets if the executive deems them worth the price.

Featured image Alex Grimm via Getty Images

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