Real Madrid are already planning for 2025 as they look to meet Bayer Leverkusen’s minimum asking price of €120m for German superstar, Florian Wirtz, according to Spanish outlets, Madrid Universal and Football Espana.
Real Madrid’s 2024 summer transfer window is already wrapped up with the arrivals of Kylian Mbappe, Endrick, and Joselu.
However, Los Blancos are not resting on their laurels as they set their sights on 21-year-old midfielder, Wirtz.
Despite the competition, Real Madrid are determined to position themselves as frontrunners for the 21-year-old’s signature.
With Luka Modric and Dani Ceballos expected to depart in the coming transfer windows, Real Madrid view Wirtz as a perfect and necessary addition to their midfield.
Real Madrid management believe Wirtz’s attacking mindset and creativity would significantly improve their squad, alongside Jude Bellingham.
Wirtz has set Bundesliga alight in recent seasons.
18 goals and 19 assists last season in Leverkusen’s unbeaten Bundesliga season, DFB Pokal victory, and run to the Europa League final caught the attention of clubs across Europe.
His performances for Germany during Euro 2024 cemented global interest as he shone in a side that was narrowly knocked-out by eventual champions, Spain in the Quarter-finals.
Bayern Munich are already rumoured to be the leading contender for Wirtz’s signature.
Whilst La Liga is calling and speculation about his future mounts, Wirtz remains focused on Leverkusen’s campaign and has already started the season where he left off last.
The 2024/25 season was just 38 minutes old when Wirtz doubled Leverkusen’s lead away to Borussia Monchengladback on the opening weekend.
Gladbach fought back in the second half, with an 85th minute equaliser from Tim Kleindienst.
But Leverkusen and Wirtz never know when to give up.
In the 101st minute, Wirtz scored his second of the game to seal a dramatic three points for Xabi Alonso’s side.
If he leaves, and it remains a big if at this time, Wirtz will be sorely missed but he won’t go cheaply.
GGFN | Oscar O’Mara
