Florian Wirtz Edges Towards Leverkusen Stay: Disappointment Looms for Man City & Bayern
Florian Wirtz, the young German sensation who broke onto the scene with Bayer Leverkusen in 2020, appears set to resist big-money offers from Manchester City and Bayern Munich—at least for now. Recent reports from Germany suggest Wirtz will make a definitive choice by early April, with indications pointing toward him remaining in Leverkusen until after the 2026 World Cup.
The teenage midfielder has tallied over 20 goals and 30 assists in fewer than 100 appearances across all competitions for Leverkusen, becoming one of the Bundesliga’s most creative forces. He also overcame a serious ACL injury in 2022 and has since shown glimpses of his old brilliance, demonstrating why he’s already been capped by the German national team. Wirtz’s family, who also double as his advisors, reportedly believe that an extended stay in the Bundesliga would be more beneficial for his development before seeking a move abroad.
Should he commit his future to Leverkusen, the club intends to offer a contract extension through 2028, with a release clause of approximately €125 million that becomes valid in 2026. This stipulation gives Leverkusen firm control in the short term while leaving the door open for powerhouses like Bayern, City, and Real Madrid to bid in the future. Any team hoping to pry him away before 2026, however, could face a demand of up to €150 million—an astronomical figure that could price out some clubs.
Bayern Munich, known for scooping up the Bundesliga’s brightest talents, might be cautious about matching Leverkusen’s evaluation. Meanwhile, Manchester City’s well-documented financial muscle means they could pursue Wirtz once the opportunity arises. Real Madrid also remain in the mix, eyeing Wirtz as a potential successor to the aging Luka Modric. Yet for now, it seems Wirtz’s heart is set on honing his skills at Leverkusen.
Unless a major European club decides to bankroll an early move, Wirtz is on track to stay put until after the 2026 World Cup, continuing to refine his game and increase his value on the world stage.
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