After impressing as part of Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen squad, Florian Wirtz is a player in demand.
The 22-year-old star was key to the German club’s Bundesliga triumph during the 2023-24 campaign and was named the division’s Player of the Season after several excellent performances.
Alonso has now left Leverkusen, with several reports linking him with a sensational return to Real Madrid, where he spent five years as a player.
The Bundesliga side could potentially now lose another star of their title-winning season, with Wirtz being linked with a mouth-watering move to Premier League champions Liverpool.
The Reds are flying high after a stunning start to life under Arne Slot, and Wirtz could potentially be a key addition when they get their title defence underway next term.
However, according to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, the move to sign the German international could come with a catch.
The sports journalist took to X, formerly Twitter, to reveal that Leverkusen are keen to receive one of Liverpool’s players in return, though he did not specify which member of Slot’s squad they were after.
“Bayer 04 Leverkusen are keen to reach a swift agreement with Liverpool over Florian #Wirtz,” Plettenberg wrote on social media.
“Much now depends on their first offer.
“Understand there is discussion around a deal that would involve Liverpool paying a transfer fee and Leverkusen additionally receiving a player from #LFC!
Image: Twitter/@Plettigoal
“Bayer are searching for a goalkeeper, a central defender, potentially a striker, and a replacement for Wirtz.”
Leverkusen may have relinquished their Bundesliga title back to German giants Bayern Munich, but Wirtz still had a fantastic season.
He found the back of the net 16 times in 45 appearances across all competitions and also registered 15 assists.
Leverkusen ended the season in second, 13 points behind Vincent Kompany’s side.
The Premier League season is still ongoing, but Liverpool have already wrapped up the title race.
The Reds are 12 points clear at the top of the table ahead of their final game of the campaign against FA Cup winners Crystal Palace.
Wirtz has already won 29 caps for Germany despite his young age and looks set to be a key player when they compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup next year.
The Reds have also been linked with a move for Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong, with Fabrizio Romano claiming the Dutchman has already signed his contract.
Reporting by Jonathan Bray.
