Report: Bundesliga star ‘will never sign’ for Real Madrid | OneFootball

According to an update shared by journalist Joaquin Maroto, it has come to light that Angelo Stiller is never going to sign for Real Madrid.

Despite weeks of speculation linking the 24-year-old Stuttgart midfielder with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu, Maroto states definitively that the deal “will never happen.”

This is a significant twist in what initially appeared to be a promising development for Los Blancos.

With Toni Kroos retired and Luka Modric leaving, Real Madrid have been actively looking for a deep-lying midfield orchestrator, someone capable of dictating the tempo and initiating attacks from the back.

Stiller’s name repeatedly surfaced as a viable candidate to fill that role.

Earlier reports indicated that Stiller was open to the move, and his entourage viewed the prospect of playing for Real Madrid favourably. Though Madrid never submitted a formal offer, optimism existed within the player’s camp.

Contractual roadblocks

Real Madrid will not sign Angelo Stiller. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Despite mutual interest, it is said that Real Madrid faced problems due to a complex contractual situation. While Stiller does have a €36 million release clause, it only becomes active in 2026.

Until then, Stuttgart retain firm control over his future. In fact, the German club can eliminate that clause altogether by paying the player a €2 million bonus before the clause activates..

At present, Stuttgart are not interested in selling Stiller for anything less than €50 million, an amount that Real Madrid are unwilling to pay for a player they do not consider a guaranteed starter.

Given that, the club has now pulled the plug on any potential move for the German midfielder.

With the Stiller option now closed, Real Madrid are redirecting their attention toward Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.

The Spanish international is a better tactical fit for Alonso’s system and is admired for his intelligence, positioning, and ability to shield the backline while distributing the ball efficiently.

However, Zubimendi’s €60 million release clause and strong interest from Arsenal complicate matters.