- 23 hours ago
Premier League club now 'leads the race' for Wirtz
Jacque Talbot
- Updated: 28 Nov 2024 09:24 GMT
- 4 min read
Florian Wirtz has attracted interest from across Europe but it's Manchester City that are leading the race, according to reports.
The Bayer Leverkusen attacker won the Bundesliga last season with his club, playing under Xabi Alonso, the revered Spanish boss. But Alonso's contract is up in Germany next year and so now a lot of players may be questioning their future.
Wirtz is considered the star player of Bayer and there is believed to be interest from some of the biggest clubs in the world. Today a report in Spain, namely outlet Fichajes, has said that it's Pep Guardiola's side that are leading the race for Wirtz.
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Their piece reads: "Manchester City are very interested in Florian Wirtz. His impact on the Bundesliga has been remarkable since his emergence. With a unique ability to create play and finish in the final third of the pitch, his profile fits perfectly into the style that Guardiola has implemented at City.
STATS
Florian Wirtz
AM (C)
Florian Wirtz
AM (C)
Bayer 04
"The Spanish manager, always on the lookout for players who understand his philosophy of possession and dynamism, sees Wirtz as the ideal man to reinforce the midfield of the Premier League champions.
Real Madrid step up Wirtz chase
But there have been conflicting reports in Spain. Earlier this month it was revealed that Real Madrid are stepping up their pursuit of the 21-year-old.
According to ESPN, Wirtz is high up on the agenda. 'Sources close to Madrid's coaching staff' have told the outlet that they are 'unhappy' with the current midfield options.
As a result, Real Madrid are said to have intensified their monitoring of Bayer Leverkusen star Wirtz with the ambition of bringing him to the Santiago Bernabeu.
The 21-year-old has been slapped with a price tag in excess of €100 million.
Leverkusen would prefer to tie him to a new contract, but there is an acceptance that it will be difficult to keep hold of him beyond 2025, especially if coach Xabi Alonso - also targeted by Real Madrid - leaves.
READ MORE: Man Utd target January midfield transfer despite Amorim 'love' for forgotten star
Wirtz, it has been claimed in Germany, would prefer a move to Bayern Munich before heading abroad.
The German giants would be able to provide the youngster with a suitable wage going forward, perhaps matching that of Man City and Real Madrid. In any case, he will have his pick of offers going forward.
