Liverpool Reignite Interest In This Bundesliga Sensation: Why They Must Get The Deal Done | OneFootball

Amid the uproar over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Bosman move to Real Madrid, German outlet Stuttgarter-Nachrichten has refuelled speculation on rumoured Liverpool target Angelo Stiller. The Reds are reportedly keen on having the VfB Stuttgart ace in their ranks to bolster themselves deep down the midfield after missing out on Moises Caicedo and Martin Zubimendi in the past two summers.

As reported by James Pearce for The Athletic, the Reds identified Stiller as an alternative to Zubimendi. But they opted to stay patient with Ryan Graverberch emerging as a deep-lying playmaker under Arne Slot. Wataru Endo stepped in and delivered as an understudy to the Dutchman; however, Liverpool might return to his former club for the German international who, coincidentally, replaced the Japanese veteran in 2023 following a low-key €5.5m transfer from TSG Hoffenheim.

Despite progressing through Bayern Munich’s esteemed academy ranks, Stiller mostly featured for their reserves and only made three first-team appearances before joining Hoffenheim as a free agent. He played 52 times for the Kraichgauers but flourished in Stuttgart colours. They were the surprise runners-up last season ahead of Bayern, and irrespective of a potential mid-table finish this term, the Swabians’ midfield maestro has been majestic with his tactical awareness, vision, tidy distribution and technical traits.

STUTTGART, GERMANY – APRIL 02: Angelo Stiller of VfB Stuttgart (2nd from left) celebrates with team mates after scoring his teams first goal during the DFB Cup Semi Final between VfB Stuttgart and RB Leipzig at Mercedes-Benz Arena on April 02, 2025 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Why Liverpool Must Snap Up Stiller

Slot prefers a creative ‘number 6’ over a destroyer, and Liverpool, known for their extensive scouting, data-driven analysis and tenacious approach, could snap up Die Mannschaft star in the upcoming summer window. Although he is now valued at around €60m, the Merseysiders have never shied away from spending a hefty fee for the right player.

Liverpool’s midfield rebuild has been instrumental to their 20th league triumph. Jörg Schmadtke’s brief yet remarkable stint as the sporting director led to the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Gravenberch and Endo during Jurgen Klopp’s final season in charge.

While they showed promise in phases during the previous campaign, Slot’s system proved to be a catalyst in fulfilling their potential. Gravenberch and Mac Allister have been exquisite as the ‘double pivot’; also, Szoboszlai’s work rate and link-up football deserve accolades regardless of a few below-par performances in terms of decision making in the final third.

Having said that, 32-year-old Endo does not seem to be in Slot’s first-team plans. He has mostly been involved from the bench, and the Dutch boss would prefer to have someone who would fit in his style of play. A player of Stiller’s quality would challenge Gravnberch for a first-team spot, and the decision to further upgrade the midfield should see them contest on all fronts.