Bayer Leverkusen’s noteworthy feat of halting Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga dominance has been the talk of the town this season, yet VfB Stuttgart’s remarkable ascent under the guidance of Sebastian Hoeness is a narrative equally deserving of attention. The second-place finish achieved by Stuttgart is nothing short of extraordinary, with Angelo Stiller emerging as a pivotal figure in their success story.
At just 23 years old, Stiller, a midfielder, has garnered interest from several top-tier clubs, including Barcelona. Reports from Diario SPORT suggest that newly-appointed Barcelona coach Hansi Flick is eager to recruit Stiller for Camp Nou. Having previously mentored Stiller during their time at Bayern Munich, where the young talent made his debut in the Champions League under Flick’s guidance, the coach sees Stiller as a potential solution to Barcelona’s midfield woes.
Stiller’s stellar performances throughout the season have led to a significant surge in his market value. Initially signed by Stuttgart for a modest fee of €5.5 million, he is now valued at approximately €25 million. With a contract binding him to Stuttgart until 2027, his escalating price tag is deemed reasonable given his rapid progression and current form.
Flick envisions Stiller as the perfect player to bridge the gap between defense and attack, a pivotal role in Barcelona’s tactical setup. However, the club’s precarious financial situation presents a formidable obstacle in their pursuit of Stiller. Barcelona must tread carefully to navigate their financial constraints and orchestrate a deal for the talented midfielder.
Stiller isn’t the sole midfielder on Barcelona’s radar, though. The club is also weighing the option of Mikel Merino, a former Borussia Dortmund prodigy, albeit at a considerable cost.
Flick’s interest in Stiller underscores Barcelona’s commitment to bolstering their midfield with young, promising talents. Stiller’s prior association with Flick and his meteoric rise at Stuttgart position him as a prime target for the Catalan giants. Yet, the feasibility of Barcelona securing his services hinges largely on their financial acumen in the forthcoming transfer window.
