Florian Wirtz was handed a surprise transfer advice by Germany legend Lothar Matthaus as Bayern Munich & English giants remain interested in him.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The 21-year-old playmaker, who played a pivotal role in Bayer Leverkusen’s domestic double-winning campaign, has become a hot commodity in the transfer market. His exceptional performances have caught the eye of Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich as well as several top clubs in the Premier League, including Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
According to reports from Sky Germany, Bayern Munich have identified Wirtz as their primary transfer target for the summer of 2025. The German champions view the young midfielder as a key piece in their long-term plans, and they are reportedly keen on securing his services as they continue to build a squad capable of dominating both domestically and in Europe.
WHAT LOTHAR MATTHAUS SAID
Speaking as a pundit on Sky, Matthäus suggested that Wirtz should remain at Leverkusen until after the 2026 World Cup. The former World Cup winner believes that staying in a familiar environment would be beneficial for Wirtz as he prepares to represent Germany on the world stage in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
"I think it would be best for him to prepare for the 2026 World Cup in a familiar environment," he said. "Will he have the same position as he did in Leverkusen if he goes to Liverpool, Manchester or Barcelona? There is only one category for him. That's why I would recommend that he stay until 2026. Then he will be 23 years old and will have 10 more wonderful years abroad. He is still at an age where he hasn't won that many championships. The Champions League games this year are also experiences that will make him even stronger. Hopefully, he stays injury-free."
DID YOU KNOW?
While Bayern and Premier League clubs are circling, Spanish giants Real Madrid are also reportedly in the mix for Wirtz’s signature. According to earlier reports from Marca, Madrid allegedly reached a "pact" with Wirtz that would see him stay at Leverkusen for one more season before moving to the Santiago Bernabéu in the summer of 2025. Personal terms between Wirtz and Real Madrid are said to have already been agreed upon.
WHAT NEXT FOR WIRTZ?
Wirtz is now aiming to defend the Bundesliga title with Leverkusen. However, the reigning champions blew up a 2-0 goal lead against RB Leipzig to succumb to a 3-2 defeat at home which saw their 462-day unbeaten streak in the Bundesliga go up in smoke. He will next join his German national teammates before facing Hungary and the Netherlands in the Nations League.
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