Liverpool’s Midfield Plans: Is Angelo Stiller the Missing Piece?

The midfield rebuild at Liverpool continues to gather momentum, and VfB Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller has emerged as a standout candidate. As reported by Stuttgarter Nachrichten, the German international is now firmly on the Reds’ radar, despite Stuttgart’s insistence that no formal talks have taken place.

Sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth clarified the situation, telling Stuttgarter Nachrichten:
“There has been no direct or indirect contact with Liverpool regarding Angelo so far.”
However, he did not shut the door entirely:
“I don’t want to rule out the possibility of that happening at some point.”

This careful language, measured but open-ended, has only fuelled speculation that Liverpool may be preparing a move. With the club looking to strengthen their engine room under new manager Arne Slot, Stiller’s profile as a deep-lying creator fits the bill and is valued at around £50million this summer.

Stiller’s Stats Show He’s Ready for a Step Up

Liverpool’s interest in Stiller is not unfounded. The 24-year-old has been instrumental in Stuttgart’s impressive Bundesliga campaign, and the numbers reinforce his impact:

• Progressive Passes (9.63 per 90) – 98th percentile

• Passes Attempted (85.65 per 90) – 97th percentile

• Shot-Creating Actions (3.88 per 90) – 91st percentile

• xAG (0.21 per 90) – 93rd percentile

In total, Stiller has notched 4 goals and 9 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions. His creative output and composure in possession reflect a midfielder comfortable dictating tempo – a trait Slot values highly in his system.

Slot himself has been clear about what he wants in midfield:
“Dictate tempo and break presses” – qualities Stiller developed under Sebastian Hoeness in Stuttgart. His spatial awareness, particularly his drifting into right-half spaces, could seamlessly complement Szoboszlai’s more advanced role and cover creatively for the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Stuttgart’s Position Remains Firm – For Now

Despite the speculation, Stuttgart are holding their line. Wohlgemuth reiterated the club’s current stance:
“We are still firmly planning with him and, despite all the rumours, have no intention of starting the coming season without Angelo.”

Still, the reality of modern football often sees even the most loyal intentions tested when top clubs come knocking. With a €36 million release clause activating in 2026, Stuttgart may be forced into action sooner than planned if Liverpool table a convincing offer this summer.

Moreover, the player’s recent inclusion in Germany’s national team setup (earning three caps) has only increased his value and visibility on the European stage.

Why Liverpool Could Make Their Move Now

Following a successful first season under Arne Slot, capped by a Premier League title, Liverpool are in an enviable position. With Champions League football secured and the squad showing renewed tactical identity, the time is ripe to invest in targeted areas – and central midfield remains one.

Missing out on Martin Zubimendi, who chose Arsenal in 2024, may have opened the door for a pivot toward Stiller. At 24 years old, he represents the ideal blend of present value and future growth – a player who could grow into the role while offering immediate contributions.

In the long-term, acquiring someone of Stiller’s tactical intelligence and passing acumen for under €40 million could prove a bargain. If Liverpool do make a move, it would align with their history of shrewd, data-driven recruitment.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, the growing links to Angelo Stiller are worth getting excited about. After watching Arne Slot guide us to the title in his debut season, there’s a sense that this team is ready to enter a new era, and Stiller could be a perfect fit.

His numbers suggest he’s more than just another tidy passer. Nearly 10 progressive passes per game? That’s Thiago-like distribution with the engine of someone younger and more mobile. The fact that he thrives under pressure, in build-up, and in transition makes him almost tailor-made for Slot’s high-possession but quick-recycling style.

With Trent’s move away – a massive creative loss – having someone in midfield who can both break the press and create opportunities is crucial. Stiller’s heat maps show he often operates in those inside-right channels, meaning he could form interesting triangles with Szoboszlai and Salah – or whoever plays off the right.

Also, this deal feels like one we’d do. It’s smart, not flashy. No headlines screaming £80m, no long saga. Just a player who fits the system, who is on the rise, and who seems ready to take the next step. Let’s hope we’re first in line when Stuttgart are ready to talk.