Bayer Leverkusen has confirmed that they are prepared to sell their star player, Florian Wirtz, but only at a hefty price. The young footballer has been instrumental in the club's 2023/24 Bundesliga title-winning campaign and is now attracting interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs.
Wirtz has had an exceptional season with Bayer Leverkusen, contributing 35 goals and assists across 41 appearances in all competitions. His performance was pivotal in securing the club's first-ever Bundesliga title over the weekend.
The rising star is now drawing attention from top-tier clubs across Europe, with Manchester City showing long-standing interest in the 20-year-old attacker. However, they face stiff competition from Liverpool and Bayern Munich. Other notable clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have also been linked to him recently.
Wirtz’s transfer can create record in German football
Leverkusen has set a high bar for any potential transfer deal involving Florian Wirtz. They have stated that they will not let him go for less than £128m - a figure that would make him the fourth most expensive player of all time if met. Only Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Philippe Coutinho have ever cost more.
Chief Executive Bayer Leverkusen, Fernando Carro, said:
"No one is unsellable, but Wirtz will not leave for less than €150m".
Despite this speculation about his future move away from Leverkusen, it seems that Wirtz may stay put for at least another year according to his father and agent who spoke on this matter last December.
Wirtz is under contract with Leverkusen until 2027 which gives him ample time to decide on his next move while continuing to develop his skills further at home ground where he feels comfortable playing.
Wirtz wishes to stay in Germany for coming years
His preference so far has been to stay within Germany which makes Bayern Munich an obvious destination. However, considering Leverkusen's recent triumph over the Bavarian giants, a move to Bayern could be seen as a step down from a footballing perspective.
Hans-Joachim, Florian Wirtz’s agent and father, said:
"Currently, everything is geared towards Florian continuing to play in Leverkusen next season".
Leverkusen can offer Wirtz the opportunity to play in the Champions League matches in 2024/25 and potentially even reach the latter stages of the competition if they manage to retain their title-winning team. This would be an exciting prospect for Wirtz who has yet to play at European club football's highest level due to his recovery from an ACL injury during Leverkusen's appearance in the 2022/23 group stage.
Florian Wirtz is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most promising young talents and his future will continue to attract speculation until a decision is made. Whether he stays with Bayer Leverkusen or moves on, it’s clear that this talented player has a bright future ahead.
