In a stunning development that could reshape the European transfer market, Real Madrid are reportedly making serious progress in their pursuit of Florian Wirtz, the 21-year-old German sensation who has long been on Liverpool’s radar.
According to sources close to the negotiations, Los Blancos are “on the verge” of securing a personal agreement with Wirtz, with the midfielder said to be “seriously tempted” by the allure of the Santiago Bernabéu and a sky-high salary package few clubs can match.
A Blow for Liverpool?
Liverpool have been monitoring Wirtz for well over a year, viewing the Bayer Leverkusen star as a long-term replacement for the aging core of their midfield. Under new head coach Arne Slot, the Reds were believed to be readying a formal approach for the Bundesliga playmaker this summer. But Real Madrid’s sudden acceleration in the deal has left Anfield’s recruitment team scrambling.
Insiders say Madrid’s offer — reportedly in the region of €12–15 million per year in wages, plus performance bonuses and image rights incentives — has pushed Wirtz’s entourage to shift their focus away from the Premier League and toward La Liga.
Why Madrid Want Him Now
Real Madrid’s interest in Wirtz isn’t new, but their urgency is. With Luka Modrić entering his final months at the club, and Toni Kroos having announced his retirement from international football — and possibly football altogether — Madrid see Wirtz as the perfect bridge between eras. A midfield trio of Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Florian Wirtz is now being imagined in the Spanish capital as the next galáctico generation.
One club insider was quoted as saying:
“Wirtz is not just a talent — he’s a Madrid player in the making. Intelligent, elegant, clutch. If we don’t move now, someone else will. And that’s not acceptable to us.”
What Wirtz Thinks
Wirtz, who played a pivotal role in Bayer Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga title run under Xabi Alonso, has kept a low profile about his future. But those close to him say he’s fascinated by the idea of following in the footsteps of Bellingham and Kroos — especially if Alonso, his current manager, ends up in Madrid in the near future, as many believe he will.
The midfielder has a contract with Leverkusen until 2027, meaning any transfer would require significant financial negotiation with the German club. However, Madrid’s first step — locking down the player’s personal terms — appears to be nearly complete.
The Next Domino?
If this deal goes through, it could set off a domino effect across Europe. Liverpool may be forced to shift their focus to other creative midfielders such as Jamal Musiala or João Neves. Meanwhile, Madrid would once again assert their dominance in shaping the future of elite European football — plucking a star from German soil just as the rest of the continent sharpened their knives.
As of now, nothing is official. But the message is clear:
Real Madrid are not just watching Florian Wirtz — they’re preparing to make him their next superstar.
