Real Madrid planning 2023 swoop for generational German talent

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 3 Mar 2022 09:56 GMT
• 3 min read

Real Madrid are planning a transfer swoop for wonderkid Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz in the summer of 2023.

This upcoming summer, Los Blancos will likely put all their efforts into signing Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain, while Erling Haaland will emerge as target as soon as the Frenchman's move is confirmed.

FOOTBALLTRANSFERS' MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS IN THE WORLD

Real Madrid are still planning ahead, though, and are willing to wait a further year to sign Wirtz, who has emerged as one of the best young players in world football over the past year or so.

According to Defensa Central, Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has asked scout Juni Calafat to provide regular reports on Wirtz's development.

Wirtz has been in sensational form for Leverkusen in the 2021/22 campaign, scoring 10 goals and recording 13 assists in all competitions.

It is believed that he could cost in excess of €100m.

What position does Florian Wirtz play in?

The young German talent is unquestionably a box-to-box midfielder that thrives in the final third of the opponent’s half. 

The 17-year-old isn’t the biggest or quickest player in the Bundesliga, but his close control and remarkable passing ability makes him the ideal playmaker for a side like Leverkusen that enjoy using quick wingers and a target man. 

Now established as a first team regular at Leverkusen in his second season at the club, Wirtz is blossoming into a classic no.8 or perhaps even a no.10, with an emphasis on creating and scoring goals in equal measure. 

How good is Florian Wirtz?

Despite his young age, Wirtz has quickly established himself as one of the most impressive attacking midfielders in the Bundesliga and as such has earned plaudits from across the German top flight. 

Ahead of Leverkusen’s clash with Bayern Munich last December, Bayern's then head coach Hansi Flick admitted that he was an admirer of the young midfield talent. 

“I like him very much, he is already very, very mature for his age,” said Flick.

“He has done very well and was lured to the other side of the Rhine. Football can currently look forward to young talents coming up. That’s very important for the future of German soccer.”