Real Madrid favorites to sign Barcelona target next summer - Reports
Real Madrid are leading Barcelona in the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz, according to Sports BILD. The German has caught the imagination of clubs across the continent following a stunning 2023/24 campaign.
The 21-year-old scored 18 goals and set up 20 more from 49 games across competitions, helping his team win the league as well as DFB Pokal. Wirtz has continued where he left off last season, already registering three goals and one assist from five games across competitions this term.
His efforts have caused a stir at Camp Nou. The Catalans are working hard to address their financial woes as they look to improve their squad in 2025. Wirtz is one of the players they want to add to Hansi Flick's roster next year.
However, Barcelona are lagging behind Real Madrid in the race for the German midfielder as per the aforementioned report. Los Blancos already have an enviable squad at their disposal but are already looking ahead to the next summer.
One of the pressing needs at the Santiago Bernabeu, following Toni Kroos' retirement, is a new midfielder. Meanwhile, Luka Modric is in the fag end of his career and may not hang around beyond this season.
Real Madrid have apparently identified Wirtz as the ideal candidate to take the Croatian's place. Bayern Munich and Manchester City are reportedly in the race as well.
Can Real Madrid pip Barcelona to Florian Wirtz's signature?
Florian Wirtz is capable enough to improve both Real Madrid and Barcelona, which is why the La Liga duo are desperate to secure his signature. The German looks ready to take the next step in his career.
The Catalans are on the rise under Hansi Flick and could fit his ambitions. Barcelona will also hope that the German manager's presence in the dugout will tempt Wirtz to make the move.
However, the player is under contract with Bayer Leverkusen until 2027 and the Bundesliga champions are reportedly quite relaxed about the situation. They are likely to demand a hefty transfer fee to let their prized asset leave. That could pose a problem for the Catalans.
To make matters worse, Los Blancos have reportedly taken the lead in the race for the player right now. Interestingly, Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is already linked with the hot seat at the Santiago Bernabeu.
It is believed that Real Madrid are planning to appoint Alonso as Carlo Ancelotti's successor next summer. If that happens, Los Blancos will become the overwhelming favorites for Wirtz and Barcelona are likely to miss out on the German.