Juventus target Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller after Lobotka pursuit stalls
Juventus have identified VfB Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller as a key summer target as they seek to add quality to their midfield, according to reports from Italy. The Bianconeri's initial interest in Napoli's Stanislav Lobotka has been frustrated by the Partenopei's refusal to sell to a direct domestic rival, a situation complicated by Lobotka's release clause being valid only for foreign clubs.
With that avenue effectively closed, Juventus have turned their attention to the German market. The club had also explored the possibility of signing Leon Goretzka on a free transfer from Bayern Munich, but face significant competition from AC Milan and Tottenham Hotspur, making that deal complex. This has led the Turin club's sporting directors, Cristiano Giuntoli and Giovanni Manna, to focus on the more attainable profile of Stiller.
The 23-year-old German midfielder, whose contract contains a reported release clause of 36.5 million euros, has been monitored live by Juventus scouts who have given him a positive assessment. Stiller came close to joining Real Madrid last year in a move championed by Toni Kroos, but ultimately remained at Stuttgart, where he has established himself as a playmaker with strong vision and leadership qualities. Stuttgart hold the option to nullify the clause by paying a penalty of a few million euros, a move they could make to ward off suitors.
Stiller's profile is seen as a potential solution to a problem position for Juventus, which has persisted since the departure of Miralem Pjanic. Under returning coach Luciano Spalletti, the club is determined to build a squad capable of challenging for the Scudetto after six seasons without a league title, having finished no higher than fourth in the past five campaigns. Strengthening the midfield is viewed as a critical step in that process.
Interest in Stiller is not exclusive to Juventus, with Manchester United having shown past interest and potentially re-entering the race should they secure Champions League qualification. For now, however, Juventus have reportedly made the first positive approaches to the player's representatives. The pursuit of Stiller underscores Juventus's broader strategy to raise the squad's technical level and address a long-standing deficiency in the center of the park as they plan for a more competitive future.
