Barcelona and Real Madrid learn transfer fee needed to secure services of Bundesliga superstar - Reports
Barcelona and Real Madrid are interested in bagging the services of newly crowned Bundesliga champion Florian Wirtz, as reported by GOAL. However, Bayer Leverkusen have set a whopping price tag of €150m to ward off interest by the two Spanish heavyweights.
During a recent interview, Leverkusen's CEO Fernando Carro spoke about Wirtz's future at the club. He also hinted at the price at which the club would consider relieving him of his services, saying (via Radio MARCA):
"No one is unsellable, but for less than €150m (£128m), Wirtz is not leaving."
Wirtz's bound by a contract to stay with Leverkusen until 2027. He played an instrumental role in helping Die Werkself manage their maiden Bundesliga title, scoring 17 goals and assisting 18 others.
Speaking about Wirtz's relationship with Alonso, his father and agent Hans-Joachim Wirtz had earlier said (via GOAL):
"We should wait for the next two years and then we'll see what happens. Florian is very lucky to have Xabi Alonso, who brings a lot of qualities. He has a great relationship with the whole team. It's the right coach at the right time."
Barcelona boast a pretty young squad that has basked in the shadow of icons like Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta, Xavi, and Sergio Busquets. Hence, Wirtz will be a great fit for Barca. However, it's highly unlikely that the club will be able to shell out €150 million anytime in the near future owing to their financial troubles.
Furthermore, Barcelona will have to show the exit door to several players before they even think of getting Wirtz's signature. Clement Lenglet, Ansu Fati, Eric Garcia, and Sergino Dest are close to the end of their stints with the Spanish club. However, it's unlikely that their departure will raise enough resources.
Barcelona face stiff competition from Real Madrid and Manchester City
Other than the Blaugrana, there are other clubs more suited, at least, financially to be in a condition to bag Wirtz's signature.
Real Madrid have relied on an amalgamation of experience and agility, which more or less has been the driving force behind their European dominance. With Luka Modric looking down at the end of his stint with Los Blancos, Wirtz's addition will bolster their squad even more. Their squad already comprises Jude Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, and Federico Valverde.
Barcelona also face competition from Premier League giants Manchester City, who are no strangers to silverware. While Kevin de Bruyne has been at the centre of most of what the Cityzens have achieved Pep Guardiola, his time at the club has also been plagued with injuries. The Sky Blues will surely look at Wirtz as a long-term replacement for the Belgian.
As for now, Wirtz is staying at Bayer Leverkusen and will be in action in their Europa League game against West Ham United on Thursday, April 18. They will face off in the second leg of the quarter-finals, with the German side winning the first leg 2-0.