Stuttgart’s Stiller Attracts Attention from Elite Clubs

Stuttgart finds itself at the center of one of Europe’s most compelling transfer narratives, as the remarkable ascent of 24-year-old deep-lying playmaker Stiller continues to captivate elite clubs. He has been linked for months with major teams such as Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and several Premier League sides.

Sporting director, Fabian Wohlgemuth, addressed the mounting speculation during an interview with Sky, emphasizing the security of Stiller’s contract. “He is under contract with us. It is far too early to speculate on potential summer departures,” he stated when queried about Stiller’s future. “Naturally, one or two clubs might have taken notice of his performance. He is having an outstanding season. Perhaps he will even participate in a World Cup; time will tell. We are pleased to have him on our team.”

While the public message remains calm, Stuttgart acknowledges privately that Stiller has reached a level of play that naturally attracts significant attention, particularly after a season where his influence has been undeniable.

Spanish giants Real Madrid, currently undergoing a midfield transformation following the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in successive seasons, have identified Stiller as a long-term organizational leader capable of anchoring their midfield for years to come. Reports indicate that Stiller expresses a preference for Madrid over Premier League endeavors, viewing Los Blancos as the ideal next step in his career. Although no formal bid has been made, Madrid’s informal interest has kept the transfer buzz alive.

Additionally, sources from Spain suggest that head coach Xabi Alonso sees Stiller as the natural successor to Kroos, appreciating his calm demeanor and technical prowess as a deep-lying playmaker who commands the rhythm of play without relying on physicality. Alonso has closely monitored Stiller during his tenure at Bayer Leverkusen and has reportedly recommended him as a ‘priority target’ for Madrid’s future.

However, Madrid faces competition. Manchester United and Liverpool have also expressed interest, while Bayern Munich—the club that developed him—and Borussia Dortmund are strategizing for 2026. Stiller’s trajectory is impressive; he joined Stuttgart from Hoffenheim for €5.5 million in 2023 and has experienced a meteoric rise since.

The appeal of Stiller is underscored by his extraordinary performance in the 2024-2025 season, where he established himself as one of Europe’s most complete young midfielders. Over 47 appearances across all competitions, he scored four goals and provided 11 assists—remarkable statistics for a deep-lying playmaker. His contributions were pivotal in Stuttgart’s DFB-Pokal triumph, and he has since earned five caps for the German national team following his debut in 2024.

Since his transfer to Stuttgart, his market value has skyrocketed, reflecting his swift evolution from promising talent to elite organizer. This season alone, the German international has netted one goal and registered five assists. Stuttgart acted proactively to secure Stiller’s future by offering an improved contract extension in early 2025, which runs until 2028 and elevates him among the club’s top earners. This contract includes a release clause estimated at €40 million, which will not activate until summer 2026. Importantly, Stuttgart retains an option to buy out this clause for approximately €2 million, allowing the club to negotiate freely with interested parties.

Nevertheless, Stuttgart’s internal valuation remains significantly higher. Reports suggest the club would demand at least €50 million if approached before 2026, considering the global interest in Stiller. Wohlgemuth acknowledges the persistent speculation but reassures fans of the club’s calm approach: “That’s part of the entertainment we have to navigate. However, there’s nothing concrete. He can fully concentrate on Stuttgart.”

Stiller, for his part, remains committed to Stuttgart’s project but has not concealed his ambition to advance when the timing is right. With major clubs preparing their strategies for the summer transfer window, the upcoming period may prove decisive. Should Madrid, United, or Liverpool formalize their interest, Stuttgart will face a critical decision regarding one of Germany’s most coveted midfield talents.