Real Madrid have been given an indication that they are about to sign their long-term replacement for Toni Kroos, one year after the midfield star retired.
In what promises to be a busy summer for Los Blancos, Dean Huijsen has already been brought in from Bournemouth, while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Álvaro Carreras are expected to follow from Liverpool and Benfica respectively.
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The big investments seem to continue in midfield, with strong rumours linked to Stuttgart player Angelo Stiller.
His teammate, Denis Undav, has admitted that the 24-year-old German international could be on his way away soon.
After winning the DFB-Pokal with a 4-2 victory over surprise finalist Arminia Bielefeld, Undav was asked about his own future as well as Stillers and Atakan Karazors.
“Me and Karazor stay, yes. Pops? I don’t know… Hala Madrid!” he replied.
Stiller has been heavily linked with both Liverpool and Real Madrid, but Undav’s comment suggests that it is Los Blancos who are closest to a signing.
How good is Angelo Stiller?
Stiller is a deep-lying playmaker and was one of the top midfielders in the Bundesliga this season according to SciSports’ data.
He played a total of 32 games in Germany’s top division, scoring one goal but creating an impressive six. Statistically, he performed better than average in all seven key categories SciSports uses to analyse midfielders, with particularly high ratings on expected assists (xA) and build-up passes.
Stiller has an estimated transfer value (ETV) of €46.7 million, but Stuttgart have reportedly set the price tag at €60 million. This suggests that any transfer would require a significant sum beyond his actual value.
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Bundesliga
expert Ronan Murphy says:
“Angelo Stiller is not known for scoring goals, as his usual role is to break down the opponent’s attacks rather than create chances for his own team. But the defensive midfielder scored twice on Stuttgart’s way to the German Cup final. He was once again instrumental in the final, with two assists in the 4-2 win over Arminia Bielefeld.”
“Stuttgart is back in Europe next season thanks to the cup win, but Stiller is likely to play elsewhere as many of Europe’s top clubs want a player with his off-the-ball abilities and talent to anchor a midfield in a team with a strong focus on attack.”
