Barcelona have enjoyed an excellent opening to the 2026/27 campaign under Hansi Flick after retaining their domestic momentum.
The Catalan side have won their opening five La Liga matches, with Flick continuing to place considerable trust in younger players.
Barcelona also strengthened significantly during the summer, with Rodri arriving from Manchester City for a reported €76.5 million.
Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi reinforced the attack, while Ronald Araujo joined Liverpool on loan.
Manchester United have experienced a more difficult opening under Michael Carrick following another major summer rebuild.
United invested heavily in midfield, signing Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans for a combined £148 million.
However, their early performances have raised questions over the balance of Carrick’s new-look side.
Barcelona and United are now monitoring the same Bundesliga midfielder as they consider further additions.
According to Fussball News, Barcelona continue to monitor Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller, who is also attracting interest from Manchester United.
Barcelona scouts watched the 25-year-old during Stuttgart’s Champions League meeting with Viking, where he registered an assist.
United are also described as concrete admirers after tracking Stiller closely during the previous transfer window.
Christopher Vivell, United’s director of recruitment, is reportedly a strong advocate of the Germany international.
Liverpool have also received credit with interest in Stiller at different stages this year.
The midfielder’s Stuttgart contract runs until 2028, leaving the Bundesliga club under no immediate pressure to sanction his departure.
Stiller reportedly has a release clause worth around £32.5 million, although Stuttgart can remove it for an additional payment.
That mechanism could allow the German club to demand an eventual transfer fee closer to £43.5 million.
Barcelona’s latest scouting activity therefore adds another contender alongside United as interest in Stiller continues to develop.
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