Bayern, Real Madrid, City Pursue Wirtz Amid Transfer Speculation

Florian Wirtz, the highly sought-after Bayer Leverkusen midfielder, is at the center of a transfer battle among Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich. Wirtz’s decision will be influenced by his ambitions to win the Champions League and the Ballon d'Or, with his preferred destinations reportedly ranked as 1) Real Madrid, 2) Manchester City, and 3) Bayern Munich. Leverkusen hopes to keep Wirtz for another season with a contract extension and a €125 million release clause effective from 2026, but if he declines, the club will look to sell him this summer for at least €150 million. Manchester City is considered the most aggressive suitor, with Pep Guardiola having met Wirtz and the club prepared to pay the full asking price and offer a substantial annual salary. Real Madrid’s interest may be solidified if Xabi Alonso, Wirtz’s current coach, joins them, while Bayern faces obstacles as Leverkusen is reluctant to strengthen a domestic rival and relations between the clubs are strained, despite Wirtz’s father favoring Bayern. Wirtz is expected to decide after assessing the sporting situations at each club at the end of the season.