Further from Barcelona? Wirtz does not rule out staying at Leverkusen

Florian Wirtz could stay, at least, one more season at Bayer Leverkusen. The 21-year-old winger, who has scored 15 goals and provided 12 assists in 35 matches (2,650 minutes) this season, feels very comfortable in the 'red-black' team and, despite the interest from FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, he seems willing to secure his continuity at Leverkusen if the management can continue the sports project led by Xabi Alonso.

In this regard, the coach's decision regarding whether to continue leading the team could be decisive. The Donostiarra could replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, but for now, he has nothing finalized with 'La Casa Blanca'. This, combined with the extremely high price that Leverkusen demands to let their star go (around 150 million euros), suggests that the player from Pulheim will remain at least another year with the team of the aspirins, with whom he has a contract until 2027.

Bayern and Real Madrid seem to rule out Florian Wirtz

In this sense, the winger's stance, along with Leverkusen's high financial aspirations, seem to push Bayern Munich and Real Madrid out of the 'race' for Wirtz. At least for the upcoming summer market. The Bavarians have acknowledged their interest in the 21-year-old forward, but they also admit to being a couple of steps below the money that his transfer would cost. Madrid, on the other hand, prioritizes strengthening their defense, as long as they close a couple of important sales that allow them to raise funds.

And contrary to what most think, the 'merengues' are short on 'cash' and facing serious financial problems due to the mess with the concerts and parking at the Santiago Bernabéu. The legal setbacks in both cases have put Florentino Pérez in trouble, which is why the team ruled out signing in January despite the urgencies in the squad due to injuries.

Thus, Barcelona would have better chances of entering the bidding for Florian Wirtz, although the management is considering other alternatives (Nico Williams, Rafael Leao, Luis Díaz...) that are a bit less costly. The Catalans could amortize a million-dollar transfer if they close a 'top' sale, with Ronald Araujo who, for now, would have the best offers on the table to leave a significant amount in the Catalan coffers. Another big European club that could go for the '10' of Leverkusen is Liverpool, as long as Mohamed Salah and 'Lucho' Díaz end up leaving at the end of the current season.