Angelo Stiller: Stuttgart set new price as Man United eye summer raid | OneFootball

Manchester United have been told exactly how to win a red-hot race to secure Angelo Stiller’s signature after VfB Stuttgart tightened their grip on the 25-year-old maestro’s future, according to a new report from Germany.

Removing the Release Clause

Stiller has emerged as one of the finest midfielders in the Bundesliga since joining Stuttgart from TSG Hoffenheim for a bargain fee of around £5 million in 2023. Having come through Bayern Munich’s esteemed academy, the Germany international operates best as a deep-lying playmaker, helping launch attacks with his outstanding range of passing and vision.

While not blessed with high levels of physicality or speed, his defensive positioning and tactical awareness ensure he is rarely caught short in transitions. However, the Premier League is a different beast compared to German football, with a long line of skilful midfielders having been incapable of applying their talents once arriving in England.

But this has not deterred United nor Liverpool, with the two bitter rivals both firmly on the hunt for Stiller’s signature this summer. Recruitment director Christopher Vivell is understood to rate him highly – a view mirrored by Jason Wilcox, the club’s director of football.

Real Madrid are admirers of the Munich native as the Spanish giants plot to overhaul their midfield unit, with a drive to replace the playmaking abilities lost with Toni Kroos and Luka Modric’s departures in recent years. Indeed, Stiller has even been described as Kroos’ successor for the German national side. He is expected to play a pivotal role in Julian Nagelsmann’s side at the World Cup this summer.

Inter Milan are also keeping a close eye on developments at the MHP Arena in hopes of striking a deal ahead of their continental rivals. Acutely aware of the growing interest in their prized asset, Stuttgart moved decisively this week to remove the €40m release clause in Stiller’s contract, agreeing to pay the player a €2m fee to facilitate this.

This unique tactic will enable Die Schwaben to command whatever fee they consider acceptable this summer, rather than being forced to accept a cut-price deal for one of Europe’s hottest midfielders.

A New Price is Set

German outlet Fussball Daten reveals the new price now stands at €60-65m.

Stiller’s contract has two years remaining on it, meaning this summer will be his team’s last chance to command this type of big-money figure. He is understood to be asking for a salary in the region of €7-9m a year to move clubs, equating to a weekly wage of around £110,000-150,000.

There have been reports in Spain of an “agreement in principle” with Madrid, though sources in Stuttgart firmly reject this.

Fussball Daten reveals the Red Devils are “closely monitoring” Stiller, while Liverpool see him as a “perfect complement to their own system.” Inter Milan are understood to already be working on a “suitable financial offer.”

The report concludes that an “offer of around 60 million euros from Manchester United or Liverpool could tip the balance of power” in favour of a switch to England – with the Premier League giants able to blow their European counterparts out of the water financially.

Final Thoughts

United’s priority is to overhaul their midfield this summer as the Casemiro is set to depart at the end of the season, while Manuel Ugarte‘s dismal performances may see him join the Brazilian through the exit door.

Two new recruits are expected to arrive, with at least one of the Premier League’s standout operators – be it Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton or Sandro Tonali – the club’s primary targets. However, a move for two from this list would completely drain the budget, leaving little flexibility for upgrades elsewhere on the pitch.

A pivot towards Europe, where money stretches much further, in the form of a superb option like Stiller would provide a cheaper alternative, even after the removal of his release clause. They will just have to move quick enough to avoid their bitter rivals on Merseyside striking first.

Featured image Alex Grimm via Getty Images

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