Real Madrid has protected the signing sessions of Huijsen and Alexander-Arnold and is now focusing his full attention on the acquisition of a central midfielder to fill the void left by Toni Kroos-a important shortcoming in the recently closed season. The urgency of this need has relegated the pursuit of Benfica left back Álvaro Carreras to a lower priority. Under the consideration of midfield that is being considered, one of the most prominent is the 24-year-old Angelo Stiller from Stuttgart.
Stiller corresponds well to the new Real Madrid project: a young and yet proven talent that would have participated in the Nations League Final Four, if not for an injury that was sustained during the Cup final. He comes at an affordable price and is favored by Xabi Alonso, who is familiar with him from their time in the Bundesliga.
According to AS, Real Madrid should not initiate contact with the player or Stuttgart, for it to wait. However, Stiller is enthusiastic about the prospect to put on the white sweater next season. To materialize this, Madrid has to negotiate with Stuttgart, which is said to be no less than $ 54.43 million looking for their emerging star.
Stiller's contract comprises a release clause with which he can leave for $ 39.19 million, but this clause will not be active until 2026. Stuttgart can cancel this clause by paying the midfielder $ 2.18 million for the beginning of 2026. Stiller, a product of Bayern Miljenn System, was made by Stuttgart, Hoffenheim, after a free move.
In any case, Real Madrid carefully exerts this crucial component of their team. Various factors are currently being considered. One is the potential sale of Rodrygo, awaiting a discussion with Xabi Alonso.
Moreover, the club keeps an eye on a different situation: Rodrigo from Manchester City has a contract until 2027, and the summer of 2026 can present a suitable moment to acquire it at a reasonable price, especially given its balloon d'Or status. To wait for this opportunity, Madrid has two options: remembering the signing of a midfielder in the current market or securing a temporary solution that could also serve as a basis for the future. In this context, quieter fits in the profile.
A factor that promotes the potential relocation from the German midfielder to Madrid is his representation by Volker Struth, the same agent who managed Kroos's career. After his retirement, Kroos became a shareholder in the office. Given the important influence of Kroos on Florentino Pérez, his recommendation could be sufficient to encourage Madrid to act.
Real Madrid still monitors Zubimendi
Still, until Arsenal officially announces the signing of Zubimendi, this option remains on the table. Among the available players, he is considered the best fit for the position. Moreover, Xabi Alonso has a significant influence on him. The resident of San Sebastián has a release clause of $ 65.32 million. As mentioned earlier, the London Club has effectively protected its acquisition and regards the deal as completed. However, Real Madrid has not admitted.
Recent statements have slightly thrown the situation and offer Xabi Alonso hope that his top priority goal can still be feasible. “Zubimendi is the only player we have had conversations about. No other player has expressed the wish to leave Real Sociedad or approached us. We advised Martín to carefully consider his options. Of course we told him last year that we would listen to him. We would like him to wait the real society.