Man United turn to ‘world-class distributor’ after missing out on Baleba | OneFootball

After abandoning their pursuit of Carlos Baleba, Manchester United are reportedly plotting a move for Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller.

The Red Devils’ main priority in the final 10 days of the summer transfer window is to bolster their midfield. The management has already rebranded the attack by signing Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, but the identity of Bruno Fernandes’ partner in the double pivot remains a mystery.

Casemiro started in the Premier League opener against Arsenal, while Manuel Ugarte came off the bench in the second half, but neither was fully convincing, hence why the addition of a new profile is considered a must.

Man United add Stuttgart’s Stiller to midfield shortlist

(Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

Man Utd’s main target for the role was Baleba, but Brighton are locking down the 21-year-old Cameroonian, refusing to discuss any deal, at least if it doesn’t include figures north of £100 million.

The Red Devils have also been linked with other profiles, like Morten Hjulmand and Lucien Agoume, but they haven’t made concrete progress on any front.

According to football journalist Ben Jacobs, United have added Stuttgart’s Stiller to their shortlist. He was one of the profiles brought up in the internal discussions among the club’s officials.

The 24-year-old spent 11 years at Bayern Munich’s academy, representing the club at every age level. Following his release, he joined Hoffenheim on a free transfer in 2021, before signing for Stuttgart in the summer of 2023.

Stiller has been enjoying a sensational rise to prominence over the past couple of seasons, with his market value soaring from €5 million upon his arrival at the club to reach €45 million, as estimated by Transfermarkt.

Angelo Stiller is a brilliant ball distributor

The defensive midfielder also earned his senior international debut in 2024, and has thus far garnered four caps for Germany.

On his X account, Statman Dave described the Man United target as a ‘world-class distributor’, due to exceptional stats registered last season, particularly the 9.49 progressive passes per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga.

At this stage, MUFC have yet to open talks with Stiller’s entourage or Stuttgart, but we could witness some interesting developments on this front in the coming days.

The Reds have been keeping close tabs on some of the finest Bundesliga talent over the past few years, especially with Christopher Vivell at the helm of their recruitment department.