A Real Option for Barça? The Fortune That Leverkusen Asks for Wirtz

The bidding for Florian Wirtz is at a 'boiling point'. The 21-year-old forward, currently injured and who has scored 15 goals and provided 13 assists in 39 matches (2,916 minutes) this season, is one of the most coveted pieces in the transfer market, where teams like FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City and Bayern Munich have shown interest in acquiring the services of one of the greatest talents in the world of football.

However, despite the insistence of these big clubs to finalize the incorporation of the German into their ranks, it would be the Bavarians and the 'skyblues' who would have the upper hand in the race. Both teams consider the signing of the German a priority for the upcoming season, so they are already making moves to 'bring home the cat' and leave the two giants of Spain without options.

In Germany, various media outlets report that at the Allianz Arena they are preparing a mega offer exceeding 100 million euros to sign the 'star' from Leverkusen. The Munich team already spent 95 million on Harry Kane a couple of years ago, which has so far been the most expensive signing in the club's history, but now the Englishman is very close to being relegated to second place in terms of investments.

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola's team would have an 'advantage' in the race to sign Wirtz this summer, as his agent, Giovanni Branchini, would be working to convince the player to join the 'skyblue' squad. The Aspirins, for their part, would prefer to sell the German to City rather than Bayern, as it would avoid giving a 'top' reinforcement to a direct rival for the Bundesliga.

The Price That Leverkusen Will Ask for Wirtz

Amid the uncertainty surrounding Wirtz's future, the only certainty is that his operation will not be cheap. According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, the BayArena has set the bar for starting negotiations for their star at a figure ranging from 120 to 130 million euros plus bonuses. A prohibitive price for clubs like Barça and Madrid that are tirelessly working on the recovery of their finances.

However, the German club does not give up on its desire to renew the current contract of the German, which expires in 2027, for one more year, until June 2028, thus ensuring the player's continuity for at least one more season. This new commitment would include a release clause to allow him to leave before the end of his contract, but its amount has not been disclosed.

Wirtz Has Not Made a Decision About His Future

Beyond all this, the midfielder has not yet made a definitive decision regarding the next step in his career. However, the most likely scenario, as of today, is that Wirtz decides to continue defending the Leverkusen badge during the 2025-2026 season, thus dismissing his arrival at a major European club this summer.

Xabi Alonso could play a key role in this operation, as his continuity on the bench at BayArena could facilitate Wirtz's stay. Despite this, Real Madrid would still be insisting on his signing, leaving the future of the attacking midfielder even more uncertain. The 'soap opera' remains unresolved, and all signs point to it potentially extending until the end of summer.