Florian Wirtz transfer bombshell dropped just hours ahead of Real Madrid showdown
Florian Wirtz made the switch from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool this summer, but a fresh transfer twist has surfaced just hours before the Reds face Real Madrid.
The Champions League is back on Tuesday night as Premier League champions Liverpool host La Liga giants Madrid at Anfield. All the pre-match attention is centred on Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is set for a fiery reception on his first return to Merseyside after his controversial move to Los Blancos.
Following Alexander-Arnold’s exit, Liverpool splashed the cash on several big-name signings, including Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez. Wirtz arrived in a then-club record £116 million deal, a fee later eclipsed when Isak joined from Newcastle for £125 million.
However, the 22-year-old has found life in England difficult, failing to score and registering just three assists in 14 games across all competitions. His slow start has already sparked speculation over a potential exit, with Spanish outlet Defensa Central claiming Real Madrid are monitoring his situation. It’s reported that Xabi Alonso has urged the club to keep tabs on the German midfielder’s future.
Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has now revealed that Wirtz would have chosen Madrid over Liverpool had the Spanish giants made an offer in the summer. Speaking on SPORT1’s Doppelpass, Carro explained that Wirtz dreams of winning the Champions League — something he sees as more realistic away from Leverkusen.
“He would absolutely have gone to Madrid if Xabi had pushed for it, but he doesn’t have the same influence there as he does with us,” Carro said.
Instead of moving for Alonso’s former players, Madrid signed Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras and Franco Mastantuono.
Ahead of tonight’s clash, Alonso defended Wirtz, insisting the youngster will come good at Liverpool.
“He just needs time to adapt,” Alonso said. “He has the talent, personality and competitiveness to succeed. I’ve got no doubt he’ll show his class — maybe not tomorrow, but soon enough.”
