Real Madrid have ended their pursuit of VfB Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller, according to journalist Joaquin Maroto. The German midfielder had previously emerged as a target for the LaLiga giants after some fine performances for the Bundesliga club.
Stiller registered four goals and 11 assists from 47 games across competitions this season for Stuttgart, excelling in a deep-lying midfield role. His efforts have turned heads at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Los Blancos are yet to sign a replacement for Toni Kroos, who retired at the end of the 2023/24 campaign. With Luka Modric set to leave Real Madrid at the end of the FIFA Club World Cup, a new midfielder is now on the club’s agenda.
Stiller’s profile makes him a good fit for the job, but there are many roadblocks to a possible move. The German is under contract with the Bundesliga club until 2028, but reportedly has a €36m release clause in his deal.
However, it now appears that the option can only be exercised in 2026. Meanwhile, VfB Stuttgart could further elevate the release clause by paying Stiller a €2m bonus.
The German side, meanwhile, will only sell the 24-year-old this summer for above €50m, which Los Blancos are unlikely to pay. As such, the Spanish giants have turned their attention to Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
The Spaniard is proven in LaLiga and could be a fine fit in Xabi Alonso’s tactics. However, Real Madrid will face competition from Arsenal for Zubimendi, while his reported €60m release clause is likely to be an issue as well.
Real Madrid will not bring Nico Paz back to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, according to a report from OK Diario. The highly rated Argentine midfielder is a product of La Fabrica, but left Los Blancos last summer to join Como.
Paz has been a hit with the Serie A side this season, registering six goals and nine assists from 35 games in the league. His efforts had sparked talks of a return to his alma mater, especially since the LaLiga giants reportedly have a buyback clause in his deal.
However, it now appears that Real Madrid will not bring him back, following their success in the pursuit of Franco Mastantuono. The River Plate wonderkid is close to joining Los Blancos this summer.
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