According to Sport, following Kroos's departure, Real Madrid's midfield suffered a clear decline in organization and quality, and Stiller was considered at one point as a potential reinforcement.

If you had to explain to someone completely unfamiliar with football what a number eight does, perhaps the best way would be to show them a video of Toni Kroos.

Since the German midfielder's departure, Real Madrid has taken a step back in terms of talent, especially in the central midfield zone.

Real Madrid lost quality, tactical awareness, and organizational ability, and this became evident. This is why during pre-season preparation, Mourinho stated that he needed "someone who can do what Bernardo does, a player who can play in different positions. We need him to distribute the ball, he can play as a six, an eight... or even as a ten."

However, Mourinho's stance has since changed. He told El Chiringuito that after Barcelona signed the former Manchester City player: "I miss Rodri"; he also said: "my market is closed" and "I really like my team." But the truth is that many Real Madrid fans believe the midfield still lacks something.

Amid this noise, one name unexpectedly faded from the spotlight: Stiller.

Despite initial interest, he remains at Stuttgart.

When Stiller came into Real Madrid's view, it sparked widespread discussion. Like Kroos, his qualities include ball-playing ability, organizational skills, tactical awareness, passing accuracy, and strong long-range passing that can connect defense and attack. In fact, there were even rumors at one point that Kroos himself recommended the club sign him.

Kroos believes Stiller is a versatile midfielder. He can play as an eight, enjoying more freedom for combinations, forward runs, and using his long-range shooting; he can also play as a six, dropping deep to receive the ball, organize play, or launch attacks. His characteristics closely resemble the role that Kroos himself played at the Bernabéu for many years.

Ultimately, nothing materialized. In January 2025, Stiller had just extended his contract with Stuttgart until June 2028, but there remained a low release clause of just €36.5 million. Around May, Real Madrid began to be linked with the player, and Xabi Alonso clearly pushed for his signing, but the club did not pursue it decisively.

The German club, in turn, used a legal mechanism that could override the clause, and after paying a small compensation of €2 million, raised the asking price, increasing the transfer fee to €50 million.

Today, the German midfielder's valuation remains close to that figure, attracting interest from clubs like Juventus, Chelsea, and Newcastle. He is particularly closely linked with Newcastle, who initially wanted to strengthen their midfield following Tonali's departure and the likely move of Bruno Guimarães to Arsenal. That transfer later became reality, and both sides were once close to reaching an agreement on personal terms, but the deal stalled last week. Meanwhile, Real Madrid continues to search for a player who can restore what Kroos left in midfield. Stiller is one option.

Переведено ИИ.

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