The transfer market is ablaze with speculation as Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, one of Europe’s brightest talents, nears a pivotal moment in his career. The 22-year-old German attacking midfielder, hailed as a generational playmaker, has been given a deadline of June 30, 2025, to decide his future, with Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester City locked in a fierce battle to secure his signature. Bayern Munich, long considered frontrunners, face a potential hijack as Leverkusen demand a staggering €150 million (£126 million) for their star, setting the stage for a blockbuster summer saga. As the clock ticks, Wirtz’s decision could reshape the landscape of European football.
Wirtz’s rise to stardom has been meteoric. Since debuting for Leverkusen at 17, he’s become the Bundesliga’s creative heartbeat, scoring 34 goals over the past two seasons and leading the league with 32.4 passes per 90 minutes in the attacking third this year, second only to Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku across Europe’s top leagues. His versatility—thriving as a left-sided No. 10, central playmaker, or winger—makes him a perfect fit for elite systems. “I want to give my all and run until I can’t anymore,” Wirtz said in a recent interview, encapsulating the relentless energy that’s drawn comparisons to a young Kevin De Bruyne. For Liverpool, under Arne Slot, Wirtz represents the creative spark to replace the departed Trent Alexander-Arnold, while Manchester City see him as De Bruyne’s long-term successor, especially with the Belgian’s contract expiring.
The race intensified after Wirtz’s family, led by his father and agent Hans, embarked on a clandestine trip to England. Landing in Blackpool and traveling to Manchester, they reportedly met with both clubs, though some sources suggest Liverpool’s involvement was overstated. “There is no decision on Florian Wirtz yet, everything remains open,” a sentiment echoed across social media, reflecting the fluidity of the situation. Liverpool’s interest is driven by Slot’s vision to defend their Premier League title, with new goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili liking posts about Wirtz’s potential Anfield move, signaling internal excitement. Manchester City, however, have reportedly reached a “verbal agreement” on a deal’s framework, leveraging Leverkusen’s preference to sell abroad rather than to rivals Bayern. “City are aware that Leverkusen would rather sell Wirtz to them,” an insider noted, hinting at a strategic edge.
Bayern, under Vincent Kompany, remain formidable contenders. Sporting director Max Eberl dismissed the England trip nonchalantly, stating, “Florian Wirtz is free to visit Liverpool, Manchester, Madrid or whatever with his family and friends.” Yet, their optimism persists, with a €100 million bid in the works, though it falls short of Leverkusen’s €150 million demand. “Bayern are the obvious pick” if Wirtz stays in Germany, a pundit observed, given their history of snapping up Bundesliga stars. Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen’s outgoing manager, called Wirtz “one of the best players in the world,” urging him to make the “right decision” at this career crossroads, a nod to his transformative impact during Leverkusen’s 2023–24 Bundesliga triumph.
The deadline adds urgency. Leverkusen, aware Wirtz is unlikely to extend his contract, are open to negotiations, potentially including City’s James McAtee in a deal. Manchester City’s offer, reportedly nearing €150 million eyeballed €25 million annually, underscores their desperation to replace De Bruyne. Liverpool, meanwhile, face a strategic dilemma, with some suggesting RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons as a cheaper alternative at £30 million. “Liverpool haven’t learnt from the Romeo Lavia saga,” a critic warned, referencing past transfer missteps. As the June 30 deadline looms, Wirtz’s choice—stay with Leverkusen, join Bayern, or embrace the Premier League—will send shockwaves through the football world.
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