La Liga champions Real Madrid have reportedly ramped up their efforts to sign 21-year-old German playmaker Florian Wirtz from Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen.
According to a report by ESPN, Florian Wirtz remains the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The reigning La Liga champions have intensified their search for the long-term successor to Toni Kroos after struggling to create enough chances this season. So, the Merengues are stepping up their efforts to sign Kroos’s 21-year-old compatriot from Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen.
Florian Wirtz and his rapid rise
Florian Wirtz has been one of the best young players in the world since breaking into the first-team squad at Bayer Leverkusen. Die Werkself initially thought about giving the youngster some time before handing him his senior debut. However, Kai Havertz’s departure soon after Wirtz’s arrival expedited the process.
The 21-year-old has not looked back since breaking into the first-team squad at Bayer Leverkusen, going from strength to strength despite a long-term knee injury. Wirtz has turned out over 150 times thus far for the Bundesliga club while chipping in with 48 goals and 52 assists.
In addition, the young playmaker’s exploits for Bayer Leverkusen have helped him become a regular for the German national side. Meanwhile, Wirtz’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe, including Real Madrid.
Real Madrid keen on Wirtz
Real Madrid’s interest in Florian Wirtz is understandable. The reigning La Liga champions have closely monitored the highly-rated midfielder’s progress for a long time. They are now intensifying their efforts to sign the Bayer Leverkusen playmaker after struggling to create ample chances this season.
The lack of creativity is one of the factors in Real Madrid’s struggles in the first half of the 2024/25 campaign. So, the Merengues are ramping up their efforts to sign Wirtz, who they view as the long-term successor to Toni Kroos. While Kroos’s influence at Real Madrid was immeasurable, his absence has amplified his legacy.
The reigning La Liga champions hope to fill the gaping hole left by Kroos’s departure by signing Wirtz. However, Real Madrid will not be alone in the race to secure the 21-year-old German international’s services, with other European bigwigs also keen on signing him.