“You can almost guarantee” – Insider believes Real Madrid and Barcelona will compete for 2026 midfielder deal | OneFootball

Real Madrid are looking to sign a new midfielder next summer, but they are expected to face competition for one of their targets. And as it turns out, this could come from bitter rivals Barcelona.

During the 2025 summer transfer window, Real Madrid considered a move for Angelo Stiller, who is seen as a good Toni Kroos replacement – which has still not been sorted by club officials. Xabi Alonso is a big fan of the Stuttgart midfielder, and he could lead a pursuit in 2026.

And according to Christian Falk, Real Madrid would make a move for Stiller if he has another impressive season at Stuttgart, especially as he’d be available for only €37.5m. However, it’s also noted that Barcelona may also attempt to sign the 24-year-old.

“Another (Bayern) target for the future could be VfB Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller, if he continues his upward trajectory domestically and with the German national team. He will be on the market for €37.5m, which is not a big price. However, if he’s doing so well, you can almost guarantee that the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal, Barcelona and other big clubs will come to the table. So, it’s not getting easier for Bayern Munich.”

Image via Cordon Press

Do Barcelona need Angelo Stiller?

Next summer sees a very important transfer window for Barcelona, as they will need to sign a new left-sided central defender and striker to replace Inigo Martinez (who has already left) and Robert Lewandowski (who will almost certainly leave at the end of this season). And there could be scope for a defensive midfielder to be sought too if either Frenkie de Jong or Marc Casado depart.

However, there would also certainly not be enough funds available to sign a centre-back, midfielder and striker next summer, so the chances of Barcelona going for Stiller are incredibly slim.