Real Madrid’s transfer dream is Liverpool’s worst nightmare

There’s still a game of tug-of-war to be played for Florian Wirtz. Perhaps the contest over his transfer is already deep into extra time, but the possibility of signing the Bayer Leverkusen playmaker remains alive. Real Madrid hasn’t lost hope.

Statements from Bayern Munich’s president, who on Saturday seemed to concede the idea of the player heading to Anfield, dealt a cold shower to the club. Yes, Liverpool currently holds an advantageous position in the race for the German talent. However, reports reaching the Spanish capital suggest the deal is not finalised, and Madrid is far from throwing in the towel. The game is far from over.

“Max Eberl [Bayern’s sporting director] told me that Florian Wirtz is probably leaning towards Liverpool. I can’t predict what will happen with Leverkusen...” Bayern president Herbert Hainer said in an interview with the Munich daily Abendzeitung on Friday. But the final word has yet to be spoken. Liverpool may have taken the lead, but Wirtz should not be counted out just yet.

Only a few weeks ago, Liverpool wasn’t even considered a contender. Wirtz’s signing was seen as a three-way battle between Bayern Munich, Manchester City, and Real Madrid. With the Bundesliga title largely secured, discussions about his future in Munich were underway, and it was widely assumed in Germany that Wirtz would move to Bavaria. But now, Bayern, at least publicly, appears to have given up on signing him.

Wirtz’s transfer could become the biggest move of the summer market. Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro even suggested a $170 million asking price back in April. According to the BBC, the high cost was the reason Manchester City withdrew from the race, as the total outlay—including associated fees—would have reached around $340 million.

While the Premier League clubs are competing with open checkbooks, Madrid is playing a different card: enter Xabi Alonso. The new manager has been Wirtz’s coach in recent years—a period marked by both successes and challenges.

When Alonso arrived at Leverkusen, Wirtz was in the final stages of a long recovery from a torn cruciate ligament. Last year, he exploded onto the scene: 18 goals and 19 assists in 49 matches, achievements that earned him 12th place in the last Ballon d’Or rankings—all at just 21 years old.

The Premier League is launching its offensive, but the final word on Wirtz’s future has not yet been said.

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