€100m man insists on bargain release clause after record contract offer

Robin Bairner

• 30 Jan 2025 08:00 GMT
• 2 min read

Florian Wirtz is planning for his long-term future and is ready to install a cheap release fee into any new contract he signs with Bayer Leverkusen, which could bait the likes of Real Madrid or Arsenal into a move.

Wirtz is currently under contract with Xabi Alonso’s side until 2027 and, therefore, B04 are seeking to secure the future of the thrilling 21-year-old midfielder.

Real Madrid’s interest in the player has long been known. He has been touted as a possible heir to Toni Kroos at the Bernabeu, although he is more accustomed to playing an attacking midfield role.

Premier League interest has been evident, too. Arsenal have notably been linked with the Germany international.

Wirtz contract negotiations

Both may need to be patient, with Wirtz having a fundamental willingness to extend his contract with Leverkusen, according to Sport Bild. This deal, which will make him the club’s biggest earner ever with a wage of more than €10 million per year, is set to have a release clause installed in it, however.

“The Wirtz family has decided that they will only extend their contract beyond 2027 with an exit clause,” the report states.

Leverkusen are willing to give him this, but there is some wrangling over what figure this will be struck at.

Wirtz’s family, who are overseeing negotiations, want to strike a deal around €100m. Leverkusen, though, will not go below €150m.

Whatever price they negotiate – and it does appear there is likelihood of them finding a middle ground – the release fee will not become active until the summer of 2026.

Crucially, if no agreement is made in the next six months, Wirtz could be sold in the summer.

A €100m bargain

Florian Wirtz has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €96.8, which has been steadily rising for the last year off the back of two stellar campaigns with Leverkusen.

The top end of his valuation suggests that €121m would not be an unfair price for him, and if he was successful in his efforts to put a release fee in around this level, it could be seen as buying clubs as a bargain price given the explosion of his value over the course of the last year.

Wirtz’s ETV shows no sign of slowing down, so by 2026, a fee of €100m is likely to look small for one of Europe’s most talented youngsters.

Arsenal and Real Madrid will certainly be tracking his contract talks with interest.