Sophia
Manchester United’s summer transfer window closed with a flurry of activity, but not every target landed at Old Trafford. Reports indicate a late, unsuccessful attempt by the Red Devils to secure VfB Stuttgart’s highly-rated midfielder, Angelo Stiller, just before the window slammed shut. This revelation adds another layer to United’s ongoing quest to bolster their midfield, an area that has frequently drawn criticism.
United’s Midfield Pursuit: A Summer Saga
Despite significant investment in attacking talent and the acquisition of promising Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens, Manchester United’s midfield remained a talking point throughout the summer. The team’s lack of presence and control was particularly evident in their 1-1 draw against Fulham last month, highlighting the urgent need for reinforcements.
United’s pursuit of midfield targets was well-documented. Early flirtations with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba were reportedly shelved due to a prohibitive valuation. Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher was also floated as a potential Deadline Day target, indicating a frantic search for solutions. However, it is the revelation from German publication BILD regarding Angelo Stiller that truly underscores United’s last-ditch efforts.
Stiller’s World Cup Ambitions Take Priority
According to BILD, Stiller was not looking to leave Stuttgart this year. His decision is rooted in a desire to maintain his “guaranteed” starter status, which is crucial for his immediate ambition: securing a spot in Germany’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. Adapting to a new project in a different league and country at this critical juncture would be a significant gamble, especially given his national team place is more fragile than his club role.
Stiller, a product of Bayern Munich’s youth system, truly found his stride after joining Hoffenheim in 2021 and subsequently reaching new heights with Stuttgart two years ago. He made his senior Germany debut last September and has accumulated four caps to date, signaling his growing importance on the international stage.
Future Prospects: A Move Abroad Post-World Cup?
While Stiller is committed to Stuttgart for now, he has openly admitted his long-term desire to move abroad. He cited Florian Wirtz’s successful transition to Liverpool this summer as an inspiration, suggesting that a move to a top European club is on his agenda, but only after the 2026 World Cup. This strategic approach highlights a player focused on both immediate career progression and long-term aspirations.
Real Madrid’s Earlier Interest and Modric’s Legacy
Interestingly, Manchester United’s interest in Stiller emerged just over a week before their alleged late approach. However, links with Real Madrid surfaced much earlier in the summer. The Spanish giants reportedly viewed Stiller as a potential long-term replacement for the legendary Luka Modrić, particularly in anticipation of his post-Club World Cup departure. This suggests that United were playing catch-up in the race for Stiller’s signature, highlighting the competitive nature of the transfer market for top-tier talent.
The Road Ahead for United’s Midfield
The failed pursuit of Angelo Stiller leaves Manchester United with continued questions about their midfield depth and control. While new attacking recruits have added firepower, the engine room remains an area of concern. As the season progresses, the performance of United’s current midfield options will be under intense scrutiny, and the club will undoubtedly be planning for future transfer windows to address these persistent challenges.
undefined
