Real Madrid dealt blow as PL giants overtake them in race to sign Bundesliga superstar: Reports
Manchester City have overtaken Real Madrid in the race to sign Florian Wirtz, according to Mundo Deportivo. The German midfielder is a long-term target for the LaLiga champions, who are planning to prise him away from Bayer Leverkusen next summer.
Wirtz was outstanding for the German giants last season, registering 18 goals and 20 assists from 49 games across competitions. His efforts helped Xabi Alonso's side win the Bundesliga title as well as the DFB Pokal.
Los Blancos are keen on bringing him to the Santiago Bernabeu next year. Real Madrid bid adieu to Toni Kroos this summer, while Luka Modric's future at the Santiago Bernabeu also remains uncertain.
The Croatian midfielder's contract with the LaLiga champions expires at the end of the campaign and he hasn't signed a new deal yet. The player will turn 40 next September and isn't expected to continue for much longer.
Los Blancos are laying down succession plans and Wirtz fits into their agenda. However, Manchester City are apparently the favorites in the race for the German right now.
Pep Guardiola is planning to revamp his squad following an indifferent season so far and sees the 21-year-old as an ideal addition to his roster. The Premier League giants are even willing to offer €100m for Wirtz.
The German has been in fine form for Leverkusen this season as well, registering seven goals and two assists from 17 games. Interestingly, Real Madrid also have their eyes on Xabi Alonso as Carlo Ancelotti's replacement. If Los Blancos manage to prise the Spanish manager away from the BayArena next summer, they could have an advantage in the race for Wirtz.
How many Real Madrid players are without a contract in 2025?
Apart from Luka Modric, the contracts of three other Real Madrid players will expire at the end of this season. Ferland Mendy, Lucas Vazquez, and Jesus Vallejo are all in the final year of their contracts with the LaLiga giants.
Mendy has been a first team regular under Carlo Ancelotti this season, registering 14 appearances across competitions. However, with Los Blancos actively pursuing Alphonso Davies, the Frenchman's future remains up in the air.
Lucas Vazquez has been an able backup for Dani Carvajal at Real Madrid and, although he is currently injured, remains a key part of the club's plans. Vallejo, meanwhile, has appeared just once this season for Los Blancos, registering 10 minutes of first team action.