Stuttgart star turned down Leverkusen switch

Bayer Leverkusen contacted Angelo Stiller’s representatives to explore a potential transfer during the summer transfer window, according to Sport Bild.

However, after taking some time to consider the proposal, the VfB Stuttgart midfielder ultimately decided to turn them down.

The main reason for doing so is that Stiller will be playing in the Champions League with Stuttgart this season, whereas he would only have been able to feature in the Europa League with Leverkusen.

Another incentive to stay at Stuttgart is Stiller's close relationship with head coach Sebastian Hoeneß. The central midfielder played under Hoeneß at youth level at Bayern Munich and has since followed the coach to both Hoffenheim and Stuttgart.

Stiller’s contract runs until 2028 and contains a release clause worth around €37 million. However, Stuttgart can buy out that clause for a fee of around €3.5 million and could have done so if Leverkusen had submitted an initial offer.

According to Sport Bild, Stiller’s release clause doesn't apply during the winter transfer window and will only come back into effect next summer.