Real Madrid to face competition from European rivals for €110 million-rated star: Reports
Real Madrid along with Premier League giants like Manchester City and Liverpool are keen on signing Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz for the summer of 2025. However, it appears that Bayern Munich might outdo Real Madrid and the other clubs in signing the 20-year-old midfielder, as per a report from Florian Plettenberg.
The Bavarians have reportedly picked out the young German talent as their top target for the 2025 summer transfer window. Hinting at the potential transfer, Bayern Munich’s honorary president Uli Hoeness recently said (via Madrid Universal):
"We can spend €100 million once for a Harry Kane, maybe once more for a German player, but not four or five times."
Although many clubs are behind his signature, Florian Wirtz is clear about his plans. Back in March 2024, he opened up about his future and told Der Spiegel:
“My focus these days is on the national team. And after that I still have a lot of plans with Bayer Leverkusen. I don’t know what Xabi Alonso will do but my plan is clear."
Florian Wirtz started his senior career with Bayer Leverkusen in 2020, and in December 2021, he became the youngest player to reach 50 Bundesliga appearances at the age of 18 years, seven months and 12 days, beating Giovanni Reyna's record. The German has scored 17 goals and provided 19 assists for Bayer Leverkusen across all competitions so far this season.
Bayer Leverkusen CEO's comments amid Real Madrid's and Barcelona's interest in Florian Wirtz
Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro recently revealed Florian Wirtz at €150 million, who has three years left on his contract. But as the interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona among other clubs started growing further, Carro has rectified his earlier statement and mentioned that the playmaker is not for sale.
He said (via Fabrizio Romano):
"I made a mistake when I said there's a price tag for Florian Wirtz around €150m. In fact, he has no price tag for us."
In just three seasons with Bayer Leverkusen, Florian Wirtz has won the Bundesliga Player of the Month four times so far. He was also named the 2021–22 VDV Bundesliga Newcomer of the Season and the 2022–23 UEFA Europa League Young Player of the Season.