Real Madrid have reportedly made another major move in their summer rebuild by reaching a personal agreement with VfB Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller. As per SPORT (via Madrid Universal), the 24-year-old German has agreed to a five-year contract with the Spanish giants, with only final details left to finalize the transfer.
This signing reflects Madrid’s clear ambition to restructure their squad after a disappointing, trophyless 2024–25 season that failed to meet the club’s high expectations. The revamp began with the exit of veteran coach Carlo Ancelotti, who was replaced by former Madrid player and rising managerial talent Xabi Alonso. The club is now turning its attention to strengthening the midfield, with Stiller emerging as a key piece in their future plans.
Stiller impressed throughout the 2024–25 campaign at Stuttgart, earning praise for his tactical awareness, composure under pressure, and excellent distribution. He combines the defensive qualities of a holding midfielder with the vision and creativity of a deep-lying playmaker—traits that align well with the playing style Alonso is expected to implement.
A product of Bayern Munich’s academy, Stiller played 47 games across all competitions last season, contributing four goals and 11 assists—remarkable numbers for a player primarily operating in a deeper role. His standout performances were central to Stuttgart’s strong showing in domestic competition, drawing interest from several elite European clubs.
Notably, it’s believed that Toni Kroos—who recently retired and left a lasting legacy at Real Madrid—recommended Stiller to the club. Kroos reportedly sees similarities between his own game and Stiller’s, particularly in terms of passing precision and spatial awareness.
With Luka Modrić approaching the end of his legendary career and Toni Kroos having already retired, Real Madrid’s midfield is entering a new era. While young stars like Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Jude Bellingham form a formidable core, the addition of Angelo Stiller could bring much-needed tactical balance and flexibility.
Stiller’s ability to play as both a No. 6 and a No. 8 makes him particularly valuable in systems that rely on fluid positional rotations—a key feature of Xabi Alonso’s tactical approach during his successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen.
But Stiller isn’t the only new face expected at the Bernabéu. Real Madrid have already secured the signing of rising defensive talent Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, and are reportedly close to finalizing a deal for Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer. Known for his exceptional crossing and playmaking from the flanks, Alexander-Arnold would add a new creative layer to Madrid’s evolving system.
This summer’s recruitment strategy highlights the club’s shift toward building a youthful, technically skilled, and tactically versatile squad—one designed not just for immediate success, but for sustained dominance in the years ahead.
