Report: Liverpool to Rival Man City in the Race to Sign ‘Brilliant’ Bundesliga Star with ‘Crazy’ Numbers | OneFootball

Florian Wirtz on Liverpool and Manchester City’s Radar: Will Real Madrid Swoop In?

Liverpool and Manchester City are set for an intriguing battle in the transfer market for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, but the road to signing the German sensation might not be as smooth as expected. According to reports from TeamTalk, Real Madrid seems to be leading the race to secure the services of the 21-year-old attacking midfielder.

A Star on the Rise: Florian Wirtz’s Impact

Florian Wirtz has been making waves in European football, and it’s no surprise that some of the biggest clubs are vying for his signature. At just 21 years of age, Wirtz has established himself as one of the most promising talents in the game. His performances at Euro 2024 for Germany caught the attention of top scouts, and his efforts for Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen side last season further cemented his reputation. Under Alonso, Wirtz played a pivotal role in helping Leverkusen achieve an undefeated Bundesliga season and securing the DFB-Pokal domestic double.

Photo: IMAGO

This success has led to significant interest from Europe’s elite clubs, but Christian Falk has revealed that Liverpool, Manchester City, and even Real Madrid are in the hunt to sign the dynamic playmaker. As per TeamTalk, “Florian Wirtz made it very clear that he wants to make the next step in 2025.” However, Falk also notes that Leverkusen will not part ways with their prized asset without a fight, with the Bundesliga side demanding a hefty fee of around £126 million for the player.

Why Wirtz is on Liverpool and City’s Radar

Both Liverpool and Manchester City are on the lookout for long-term midfield reinforcements, and Wirtz fits the profile for both clubs. For Liverpool, the versatile midfielder could provide an injection of creativity, something that the Reds have arguably lacked since the departure of Philippe Coutinho in 2018. As Liverpool rebuild under their new manager Arne Slot, Wirtz could play a crucial role in this new era.

For Manchester City, Wirtz is being touted as a potential replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, who, at 33, is approaching the twilight of his career. With his contract expiring next summer and interest from the Saudi Pro League, the Belgian’s departure could trigger City’s move for Wirtz. As TeamTalk highlights, “Man City view Wirtz as a potential replacement for club icon Kevin de Bruyne,” and with De Bruyne’s future uncertain, Wirtz would be the perfect successor to lead Pep Guardiola’s midfield.

Former footballer Owen Hargreaves also weighed in on the debate, stating: “He’s a brilliant young player in terms of goals and assists, his numbers last season were crazy. For a young kid, he’s producing for Germany and Leverkusen.” This is high praise from Hargreaves, who believes that Wirtz has the potential to control games, much like Toni Kroos did during his time at Real Madrid.

Real Madrid: The Likely Destination?

Despite the interest from the Premier League, Real Madrid appears to be in pole position to land Wirtz. Falk explains that “The club leading the race for his signature is not an English one. It’s Real Madrid.” Madrid, known for attracting top German talent, would see Wirtz as a long-term replacement for Toni Kroos, who is nearing the end of his illustrious career. While Real Madrid might face financial constraints in securing both Wirtz and another young German star, Jamal Musiala, the Spanish giants have made it clear that Wirtz is a priority target.

That said, there’s still plenty of time before Wirtz makes a final decision. With a contract at Leverkusen until 2027, the German club holds all the negotiating power, and any potential transfer will likely come at a steep price. However, for clubs like Liverpool and Manchester City, paying the fee might be a risk worth taking.

The Battle for Florian Wirtz

The competition for Wirtz’s signature is fierce. While Real Madrid seems to have the upper hand, Liverpool and Manchester City remain serious contenders. It’s easy to see why Wirtz has garnered so much attention: his blend of technical skill, vision, and intelligence makes him a highly desirable asset for any top club.

As Owen Hargreaves put it, “He’s that good, he makes every team better.” Whether he ends up donning the white of Madrid or plying his trade in the Premier League, one thing is for certain: Wirtz is a player destined for greatness.

Statistical Analysis by Anfield Index

Florian Wirtz’s stats, as provided by Fbref, showcase his exceptional all-around game. His ability to influence both attacking and possession phases sets him apart from many of his peers. This analysis of his performance over 3,083 minutes in the last year highlights why he’s on the radar of top European clubs.

Wirtz’s Elite Attacking Output

Wirtz’s attacking metrics are outstanding. With a 96th percentile for assists and an 85th percentile for non-penalty xG, the German midfielder consistently impacts the final third. His shot-creating actions rank in the 99th percentile, a testament to his creativity and decision-making. Wirtz’s ability to find teammates in scoring positions and convert chances himself makes him one of the most dangerous playmakers in Europe.

Possession Stats Reveal a Highly Efficient Playmaker

Not only is Wirtz a top-tier attacker, but his possession stats are also among the best in his role. He ranks in the 99th percentile for progressive passes, progressive carries, and touches—clear indicators of his involvement in transitions and build-up play. With a pass completion rate in the 90th percentile and 99 percentile for passes attempted, he demonstrates incredible efficiency and vision, qualities that would benefit any possession-based system.

Defending: Areas for Improvement

Defensively, Wirtz’s numbers are less impressive, with lower percentile ranks in blocks, tackles, and aerial duels. His primary focus lies on creative and attacking duties, and this could explain the relative dip in defensive contributions, ranking only in the 3rd percentile for clearances and 45th for tackles. Nonetheless, his overall contributions more than compensate for these shortcomings.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, the interest in Florian Wirtz is incredibly exciting but should be approached with cautious optimism. While the prospect of signing such a talented player would be a massive coup, it’s important to consider the financial realities of competing with clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester City. At £126 million, Wirtz would be a significant investment, and Liverpool’s current transfer budget may not be as flexible as City’s or Madrid’s.

Arne Slot’s Liverpool side is in the midst of a rebuild, and while Wirtz would undoubtedly add creativity and flair to the midfield, the Reds still need reinforcements in other key areas. It’s also worth remembering that the club has had mixed success with big-money signings in the past, such as Naby Keïta and Darwin Núñez, so there’s always a risk when spending such large sums on a player.

However, for those hoping that Wirtz might choose Liverpool, there are reasons to remain hopeful. Slot’s tactical system could allow Wirtz the freedom to express himself in the final third, much like Xabi Alonso has done at Leverkusen. Additionally, Liverpool has a rich history of developing young talent, which could be a significant draw for the player.

In short, while the pursuit of Wirtz is exciting, Liverpool fans should be prepared for a tough battle and be realistic about the chances of securing his signature amidst the heavy competition from Europe’s elite.