Real Madrid ready to launch move for €100-million-rated Barcelona target who idolises Lionel Messi: Reports
Real Madrid are prepared to make their move for Florian Wirtz, who is said to idolize Lionel Messi and is already a target for Barcelona. He has emerged as a beacon of excellence in Bayer Leverkusen's ranks, following a debilitating knee injury that ruled him out of the Qatar World Cup.
Wirtz has become a major force in Leverkusen's attack, demonstrating an uncanny ability to alter the course of a game with his abilities in the final third. With six goals and ten assists in just 17 appearances this season, he has become a standout performer.
According to a report from El Nacional, Barcelona have shown a keen interest in Wirtz, drawn by his past expressions of admiration for the club and his idol Lionel Messi. The 20-year-old's dynamic style of play would seamlessly integrate into Xavi Hernandez's tactical plans.
However, the financial implications of such a move pose a significant hurdle. Bayer Leverkusen remain firm on a transfer fee of no less than €100 million, which is a sum that currently strains Barca's financial capabilities. This could necessitate the sale of some of their key players to fund such an acquisition.
Meanwhile, Barcelona's rivals Real Madrid have positioned themselves as strong contenders in the pursuit of Wirtz. Los Blancos president Florentino Perez is reportedly ready to make a move, potentially collaborating with Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso.
The legendary midfielder-turned-manager, currently coaching Wirtz, could be next in line for the managerial position at the Santiago Bernabeu. If this move happens, the possibility of the 20-year-old joining Real Madrid could increase.
Real Madrid legend Marcelo reveals insights into neutralizing Lionel Messi at Barcelona
Legendary Real Madrid defender Marcelo has offered a glimpse into the tactics employed in their attempts to temper the brilliance of Lionel Messi during El Clasico encounters.
The left-back often found himself in direct confrontation with Messi, who played for Barcelona on numerous occasions. In an engaging discussion on the ‘Charla Podcast,’ Marcelo reflected on the strategies adopted to contend with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner (via Madrid Universal):
“Messi didn’t talk during games and I tried not to talk to him because he was quiet. We always said we should leave him like that, because if you decided to obstruct him, you would provoke him and then he would get angry, and if he was angry, he became more and more difficult to handle.”
Lionel Messi's record against Real Madrid stands at an impressive 26 goals in 45 matches.