Real Madrid has started a new chapter with Xabi Alonso at the helm, and one of the main challenges is to strengthen the midfield. As part of that plan, the option to sign Angelo Stiller, Stuttgart's 24-year-old midfielder, was an idea the club had considered with excitement. However, according to some sources, the operation has become more complicated than expected.
Stiller fit the profile Xabi Alonso is looking for: young, with good ball distribution, vision, and control of the tempo. His performance in the Bundesliga was outstanding, with 4 goals, 11 assists, and a German Cup included in his record. In addition, Toni Kroos reportedly recommended the footballer within the Madridist environment, which further strengthened Real Madrid's interest.
Money problem
The main obstacle has always been his release clause. Although it is registered at just under €40 million (about $43.5 million), it won't be activated until the summer of 2026. Until then, Stuttgart can cancel it by paying the player €2 million (about $2.2 million) and ask for €50 million (about $54.4 million) or more if it wishes. That would force Real Madrid to negotiate directly with the Germans, without being able to rely on that clause.
In the offices at Valdebebas, they believed the signing could be closed for around €40 million (about $43.5 million), a manageable figure considering the squad has been strengthened with Huijsen, Alexander-Arnold, Mastantuono, and Álvaro Carreras. Madrid even had a verbal agreement with Stiller for a contract until 2030, but negotiations with Stuttgart have never progressed. At this time, there is no official offer submitted.
Despite interest from other clubs such as Liverpool, Arsenal, or West Ham, Real Madrid keeps the possibility of Stiller as a valid option... but not a definitive one. Meanwhile, the team has decided not to rush. However, everything could change with the transfer of Chema Andrés, a Madridist youth product who will head to Stuttgart for €3 million (about $3.3 million).
Chema Andrés to Stuttgart
Chema Andrés could return with a buy-back clause in the future, but for now he could become the possible replacement for Angelo Stiller. This is still to be confirmed, as both footballers share the same position.
In summary, Angelo Stiller remains on Real Madrid's radar but is far from being a closed deal. The clause that activates later, Stuttgart's ambition, and the pressing timeline have frozen the signing. At Valdebebas, they advocate caution and will only act if the operation is clear and viable. The outcome depends on how the market evolves, with Real Madrid aware of its need to strengthen and with several fronts open. Stiller's signing is not ruled out, but for now... it's not closed.