Florian Wirtz’s father has suggested any speculation over the Bayer Leverkusen star’s future is unnecessary this summer.
The Germany star is currently part of Die Mannschaft’s squad for Euro 2024 and did no harm to his reputation when he scored against Scotland in the tournament’s opening match. The 21-year-old was a key part of Leverkusen’s unbeaten title win and scored 18 goals and made 20 assists in all competitions.
Wirtz has been widely linked to Real Madrid and Liverpool already, in addition to Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich. Ahead of a Champions League campaign, Leverkusen may be reluctant to let go of their prized asset, whose contract runs until 2027.
The German international will undoubtedly see a hefty price tag and could potentially command a fee in excess of £100million. Regardless, Wirtz’s father, Hans, only focused on the facts of his son’s situation.
“Florian has a contract in Leverkusen,” he told Bild. “And he’s looking forward to next year at Bayer 04 when he can play in the Champions League with Leverkusen for the first time. Those are the facts. Now the focus is on the Euros. After that there’s a lot to do with the club next season, so there’s no need for speculation. There’s really nothing to say beyond that.”
Despite persistent links to Anfield, it appears Liverpool will not make a move for the star in the coming months. The Reds’ priorities are said to lie in other positions for Arne Slot’s first transfer window in charge.
It has been suggested that Wirtz will remain at the BayArena for at least another season to build upon his exploits. Reports in Spain claim a verbal agreement is in place to take the Leverkusen star to Real Madrid in 12 months.
The club’s managing director Simon Rolfes is confident Wirtz will be staying. “He will stay,” the Leverkusen chief said in May. “His father and agent said it before. He has a contract here and he’s really happy. This is the right place for him to develop as a player and person. His future is bright that’s for sure.
“He is such a good player and shows a great will to win and to work. It’s not normally the attributes of a number 10 but he combines talent with the work rate of a six or a defensive player along with producing special magic moments.”
Former Liverpool star Vladimir Smicer believes that Wirtz should be a top target for Liverpool this summer, however. “If I could urge Liverpool to sign anyone this summer it would be Florian Wirtz, who is a player that reminds me of Phillipe Coutinho,” he told OLBG.
“Liverpool fans love that type of player. Bobby Firmino was another player who was very popular, so I’d go with Wirtz. I met Arne Slot when Slavia Prague played Feyenoord twice so I saw his work. His system and his mentality is all about being calm. He’s really good. His team knows exactly how he wants to play and I hope he can bring that to Liverpool.”
