Stuttgart eye Southampton's Jander as Stiller replacement
VfB Stuttgart are preparing a move for Southampton midfielder Caspar Jander should they sell Angelo Stiller this summer, according to a report from German publication Bild. The Bundesliga club's interest is contingent on receiving a suitable offer for Stiller, with Sport Bild suggesting a fee of around €50 million could trigger the departure.
The potential deal for Jander, which is expected to cost approximately €25 million, represents a strategic piece of business for Stuttgart. Selling Stiller for a significant profit would fund the acquisition of his intended replacement, with the club having already demonstrated a firm interest in Jander during the previous transfer window. The 23-year-old only joined Southampton from 1. FC Nürnberg for a reported €12 million last summer, meaning the Saints would stand to double their investment on the player after a single season.
Jander's potential arrival at the Mercedes-Benz Arena would address a looming vacancy in midfield. While Stuttgart have already secured the free transfer of Grischa Prömel from Hoffenheim, the futures of Stiller, Chema Andrés, and Nikolas Nartey remain uncertain, creating a need for reinforcement. Jander, a German youth international, is viewed as a dynamic and technically proficient option who fits the profile sought by Stuttgart's sporting leadership.
However, Stuttgart will face considerable competition for his signature. Bild notes that RB Leipzig, Ajax, and several unnamed Premier League clubs are also monitoring Jander's situation. This broad interest underscores the player's rising stock following his adaptation to English football and suggests Southampton are in a strong negotiating position despite the player's relatively short tenure at the club.
The entire sequence hinges on the market for Angelo Stiller. The defensive midfielder was instrumental in Stuttgart's sensational second-place finish in the Bundesliga, and his performances have attracted attention from larger clubs. His sale would provide Stuttgart with the necessary capital to operate in a market where Jander is just one of several targets. For Southampton, the transaction would represent a swift and lucrative piece of business, allowing for reinvestment into their own squad as they build under manager Russell Martin.
If the dominoes fall as reported, the transfer would see Jander return to German football swiftly, joining a Stuttgart side preparing for Champions League football. It would mark a significant step in his career and a test of Stuttgart's ability to successfully refresh a squad that outperformed all expectations last season.
