Overview
- The fixed release clause of roughly £31m/€36.5m lapsed on July 15, and Manchester United never triggered it or opened formal talks, according to reporting from the Manchester Evening News and other sources.
- With the deadline passed, VfB Stuttgart holds negotiating leverage and can set an open-market price rather than accept the prior fixed fee.
- Analysts cited by Crypto Briefing estimate Stuttgart could now seek about €50m for Stiller and may have the option to buy out the clause for a nominal €2–4m to remove any price ceiling.
- Stiller’s contract runs through at least 2027–28 and his recent form, heavy appearance rate for Stuttgart and Germany World Cup selection boost his value, which gives Stuttgart no urgent need to sell.
- Manchester United must decide whether to pay a Stuttgart premium now, risk rivals such as Juventus making offers, or wait for the release mechanism to potentially reactivate in summer 2027.