Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz is at the center of a highly competitive transfer race as Bayern Munich, Manchester City, and Real Madrid all vie for his signature. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has emerged as one of the most coveted talents in European football, and his potential move could reshape the landscape of club football.
As of May 9, 2025, Bayern Munich is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations with Leverkusen for Wirtz, having moved ahead of their rivals. The German champions are keen to secure Wirtz as a long-term successor to Kevin De Bruyne, who is set to leave City at the end of the season. Wirtz's preference leans toward joining Bayern, where he would reunite with international teammates, including Jamal Musiala.
Despite Wirtz's personal inclination to move to Munich, Bayer Leverkusen is standing firm on their valuation of the player. The club is demanding significantly more than the initial €120 million asking price, which could complicate negotiations. Bayern's management is currently exploring various ways to structure a deal that meets Leverkusen's expectations.
Wirtz's journey in football has been remarkable. He joined Bayer Leverkusen from Cologne at just 16 years old in January 2020. By July of that year, he made headlines as the youngest goalscorer in Bundesliga history, netting his first goal at the age of 17 years and 34 days, a record that has since been surpassed by Borussia Dortmund's Youssoufa Moukoko.
In the current Bundesliga season, Wirtz has been in sensational form, scoring 10 goals and providing 12 assists. His contributions have not only helped Leverkusen in their domestic campaign but have also earned him a place in the national team, where he has scored six goals in 29 appearances.
In a recent interview, Wirtz expressed his desire to experience a new challenge, stating, "I'm definitely going to step out of my comfort zone at some point and experience something new." This sentiment adds fuel to the speculation surrounding his future, as clubs like Manchester City and Real Madrid are also keen to add him to their ranks.
Manchester City sees Wirtz as the ideal candidate to fill the void left by De Bruyne's departure. The Premier League side has the financial backing to meet Leverkusen's demands, making them a formidable contender in the race for Wirtz's signature.
On the other hand, Real Madrid is not to be overlooked. With Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen's current manager, expected to take over from Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu, there are rumors that he could bring Wirtz along with him. This connection adds an intriguing layer to the transfer saga, as Wirtz could follow his coach to one of the most storied clubs in football history.
Wirtz's comments about his career trajectory reflect his grounded nature and respect for the game. He emphasized that his move to Leverkusen was never about money but rather about what was best for his career. "When I switched from Cologne to Leverkusen, I didn’t think about my salary for a single second, but only about what was best for my career," he said.
The young midfielder also acknowledged the support of his family, particularly his parents, who have been instrumental in his development as a player. "My parents played a big part in me becoming a professional soccer player. They were at every game, and my mother was even at every training session. I can count myself very lucky to have such a family," Wirtz noted.
As the transfer window approaches, the situation remains fluid, with Bayern Munich, Manchester City, and Real Madrid all poised to make their moves. Wirtz's next destination could significantly impact the future of all three clubs, making this one of the most closely watched transfer stories in recent memory.
In the meantime, Wirtz continues to shine on the pitch, demonstrating why he is regarded as one of the brightest talents in European football. His ability to create opportunities and score goals has made him a key player for both Bayer Leverkusen and the German national team.
As fans eagerly await the outcome of this transfer saga, one thing is certain: wherever Wirtz ends up, he is set to make a significant impact in the world of football.
