Another Liverpool raid on Bayer Leverkusen looks to have returned empty handed, as 20-year-old wunderkind Florian Wirtz has reportedly committed to at least one more season in Germany.
The attacking midfielder’s representatives have reportedly communicated the player’s desire to remain at the BayArena to his suitors, putting paid to speculation over his future to bed, at least for this summer.
Wirtz to Liverpool: a double blow
This comes following the Reds’ failed pursuit of current Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso, who will also remain in the Rhine valley for another season.
Liverpool had hoped that by securing Alonso's signature, they could steal a march on Europe’s other elite clubs, before they could prepare their own bids for Wirtz.
The Reds may still sign a player and manager combination this summer, with Lutsharel Geertruida reportedly following new boss Arne Slot to Anfield from Feyenoord.
Naturally, Bayern Munich are following Wirtz’ progress very closely, and seek to pair him with his international teammate Jamal Musiala at the Allianz Arena. Manchester City are another interested party.
Barcelona and Real Madrid keep tabs on Wirtz too, and will be delighted the young German isn’t on the move until at least 2025, as they can prioritise other, more pressing transfer targets this summer.
Why does everyone want Florian Wirtz?
Florian Wirtz is one of the most exciting young players in the world. The attacking midfielder made his international debut at just 18, and has been a Bayer Leverkusen regular since the age of 17.
Wirtz is blessed with incredible technical skill. He possesses a brilliant first touch, is composed in tight areas, can beat his man one-on-one, is an accomplished finisher and has an eye for a killer pass.
He possesses great intelligence in his movement, and a superb mentality, overcoming a cruel ACL injury that kept him out of the 2022 World Cup and emerging a better player from it.
With 17 goals and 19 assists this season, the sky's the limit for Wirtz.
