Bayer Leverkusen’s outgoing manager Xabi Alonso has rubbished claims that his star playmaker Florian Wirtz has already settled on a move to Bayern Munich this summer.
The main topic of conversation for Alonso at the penultimate pre-match press conference of his Leverkusen career unsurprisingly centred around his impending exit. The highly sought-after Spanish coach confirmed his decision to step down as manager after the final two games of the Bundesliga campaign ahead of what many expect to be an appointment at Real Madrid.
While Alonso would not be drawn on his next destination, he did open up on Wirtz’s uncertain future.
After another exceptional season, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Manchester City have all been heavily linked with a move for Leverkusen’s two-way attacking force. Numerous reports in Germany recently claimed that Wirtz had decided to remain within the Bundesliga and join Bayern.
When presented with these claims, Alonso was quick to shut down the speculation. “Florian Wirtz didn’t tell me that he only wants to go to Bayern,” he replied. “This is not my information.”
Wirtz has publicly discussed the possibility of leaving Leverkusen in recent days, although hinted at moving further afield than Bavaria. “I have great respect for the guys here in Leverkusen, who come from South America or Africa, for example, and leave their families and surroundings behind for their careers,” the 22-year-old told Sports Illustrated Germany this week.
“I’m definitely keen to leave my comfort zone at some point and experience something new. I know the football changing rooms well enough and am convinced that I would quickly find a place anywhere.”
Any club interested in snapping up Wirtz will have to pay for the privilege. Leverkusen are expected to demand in the region of €150m (£127.2m) for a player whose contract doesn’t expire until 2027.
BILD have claimed that Bayern are prepared to enlist the services of club sponsor adidas to help finance such a record-breaking sum. Manchester City, despite their costly outlay during the January transfer window, are thought to have funds available in their search for a Kevin De Bruyne replacement, while Real Madrid boast an added edge.
If Alonso does – as widely reported – take over the Spanish giants this summer, he is expected to push for Wirtz’s arrival.
