Bayer Leverkusen finds itself at a significant crossroads as speculation mounts over the futures of two of its standout figures: 21-year-old Florian Wirtz and head coach Xabi Alonso. During a recent episode of BILD SPORT on Welt TV, manager legend Reiner Calmund expressed confidence that both would remain with the club until at least 2026.
Calmund noted that Wirtz, currently sidelined due to a right ankle injury, has a contract extending to 2027, while the club aims to secure an extension through 2028. Meanwhile, Alonso's contract also runs until 2026, and the coach is reportedly moving into a new house in Düsseldorf. Calmund feels these factors suggest both talents will continue to contribute significantly to Bayer Leverkusen.
“I firmly believe they will stay until 2026,” Calmund asserted, highlighting the importance of their roles within the club's structure. He expects Alonso to make an announcement regarding his stay before the upcoming Bundesliga home match against VfL Bochum. “Being surrounded by family in Düsseldorf, that’s where they feel at home,” he added, implying both players' comfort levels would be crucial to their decisions.
The ongoing discussions about Wirtz's future are fraught with complexity. With a transfer market value exceeding 100 million euros, Bayer faces pressure to act before Wirtz's contract, which ends in June 2027, runs down. As experts rank him as a world-class player, the club’s management knows selling him could also impact their negotiating power.
The talks to extend Wirtz’s contract have been in progress since October 2024, with Bayer eager to ensure he remains at BayArena. The player’s representatives, however, are cautious; they maintain Wirtz's personal and professional development is incomplete. They believe he has significant potential to grow further in leadership within the context of Bayer, a trajectory that could be hampered by a move to a top European club.
The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, serves as another reason for Wirtz to consider his future carefully. The notion of preparing for such a high-profile tournament in a familiar, constructive environment where he can excel is especially appealing.
Why, then, is it taking so long for Wirtz to make a definitive decision? Calmund disclosed that the frameworks for a new contract have already been discussed, indicating that negotiations have covered key points. Yet, the player’s side wishes to take its time. This delay doesn’t necessarily signal negative outcomes for Bayer, especially when the interest from top clubs, particularly Bayern Munich, is an ongoing public narrative.
On the move from 1. FC Köln to Bayer Leverkusen in January 2020, the teenage Wirtz, then only 16, quickly captivated audiences. As he and his family deliberated over his past decisions, it became clear that this was no hasty process. They approached it with thorough thought and consideration, which bodes well for Bayer in their current circumstances.
Calmund recalled his emotional response when Leverkusen secured the Bundesliga title, a moment he described as something special for both the club's history and Wirtz's burgeoning career. “For Florian Wirtz, there couldn’t have been a better opportunity,” he remarked. “Winning a championship with Bayer, where we have always faced challenges but never secured the ultimate prize, is monumental.”
Despite Bayer's historical disappointments, Calmund believes that a potential league title would mean so much more for Wirtz than a simple transfer to a club in Munich, where competition for trophies is consistent and relentless.
As fans eagerly await news regarding Wirtz's contract and Alonso's future, Leverkusen stands at a defining moment. Moving forward without clarity on these essential figures could pose risks, yet the club’s management remains determined to build a future that retains its brightest talents.
Ultimately, the interplay between sporting ambition, personal development opportunities, and the broader football market will shape the decisions of both Wirtz and Alonso. The upcoming weeks are critical, and for Bayer Leverkusen, every decision will be pivotal as they continue to navigate their competitive landscape in German football.
