Manchester United are considering a move for Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller as they seek a more cost-effective solution to their midfield rebuild this summer. According to sources, the 25-year-old Germany international has a release clause in his contract worth €36.5 million (£32 million), a figure significantly lower than the fees being quoted for some of their other targets.
The club had previously identified Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson as a primary target, but reports from The Athletic indicate Forest's owner, Evangelos Marinakis, is now demanding a fee in the region of £125 million. This steep valuation, coupled with competition from Manchester City, has led United to explore alternative options. Stiller has been monitored by United's recruitment team since January and is viewed as a genuine contender to help the club move on from veteran Casemiro.
Italian outlet Tuttosport reports that United are in a race with Juventus to secure Stiller's signature, with both clubs keen to act before the upcoming World Cup, where a strong performance could see his market value increase. Juventus are said to have been in contact with the player's representatives since February, but United's strong interest could complicate the Italian club's negotiations. Stiller, who has established himself as one of the Bundesliga's standout midfielders, is understood to be on a shortlist that also includes Brighton's Carlos Baleba and Newcastle's Sandro Tonali.
However, the potential bargain of his release clause is complicated by a contractual nuance. Sources indicate that Stuttgart have the option to pay Stiller £1.5 million directly to remove the clause, which would allow them to demand a higher fee. It is believed the German club would hold out for at least £50 million if they chose to nullify the clause. While this would reduce United's potential savings compared to the Anderson deal, it would still represent a substantial discount, freeing up funds for a potential second midfield signing.
United's interest in Stiller comes amid a broader reassessment of their midfield strategy. Concerns have been raised internally that Tonali may be too expensive, while Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton is seen as too similar in profile to the club's emerging star Kobbie Mainoo. This has reportedly led to a renewed focus on Brighton's Carlos Baleba, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano suggesting an agreement is in place and United are preparing an offer. The pursuit of a new defensive midfielder is part of a wider summer overhaul planned under the direction of INEOS, with the club also seeking to add a new left winger to their squad.
