£96m La Liga exit possible for Liverpool star this summer | OneFootball

Liverpool ‘agree to sell’ Florian Wirtz to Real Madrid for £96m in surprise summer move

Liverpool are prepared to sanction the sale of Florian Wirtz at the end of the season, according to Spanish source, with Real Madrid positioning themselves to submit a bid worth around £96m, according to reports in Spain. What appeared an ambitious, long-term investment has rapidly shifted into a situation where all parties are assessing whether an early separation is the most pragmatic outcome.

The decision would represent a sharp pivot from Liverpool’s summer strategy, when significant funds were committed to refresh the squad following Arne Slot’s title-winning debut campaign. Wirtz was viewed as a centrepiece signing, both symbolically and tactically, but his first season in English football has not unfolded as planned.

Liverpool reassess Wirtz investment after difficult campaign

Liverpool’s transfer activity last summer was among the most aggressive in the club’s modern history, with ownership backing a major rebuild. Wirtz arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal rising beyond £100m, carrying expectations that he would immediately elevate creativity and goal threat from midfield.

Instead, the Germany international has struggled to find rhythm. He remains without a Premier League goal or assist after 15 appearances, with only two assists coming in European competition. While internal assessments continue to stress adaptation challenges rather than talent concerns, the lack of tangible output has inevitably sharpened scrutiny.

Liverpool’s wider form has also contributed to the rethink. A run of inconsistent results has left the club adrift of early-season objectives, prompting senior figures to consider whether recouping value on a marquee asset could accelerate a broader reset ahead of next season.

Real Madrid interest strengthens amid long-term planning

Real Madrid’s interest in Wirtz is not new, but it has intensified as the Spanish giants shape their next phase. According to reports, a package of approximately €110m, translating to £96m, would be sufficient to open serious negotiations.

The appeal for Madrid lies in profile as much as pedigree. Wirtz is seen as a versatile attacking midfielder capable of operating across multiple systems, aligning with the club’s desire to lower the average age of their squad without sacrificing elite-level quality.

There is also a managerial subplot. Wirtz flourished under Xabi Alonso in Germany, and Madrid are monitoring the situation closely should Alonso’s standing continue to grow domestically and in Europe. While no formal approach has yet been made, the groundwork is clearly being laid.

Unexpected turn reflects Liverpool’s broader reset

From Liverpool’s perspective, the willingness to consider offers represents a pragmatic stance rather than an admission of failure. The club believe there remains strong market value in Wirtz, particularly among Europe’s elite, and that a controlled exit could free resources for targeted reinforcements better suited to Slot’s evolving tactical demands.

Internally, there is recognition that not every high-profile signing delivers immediate returns. However, Liverpool’s recruitment model has historically favoured decisive action when a fit does not materialise quickly. Allowing Wirtz to leave after one season would be consistent with a strategy prioritising squad balance and adaptability over sunk-cost thinking.

Discussions are expected to develop once the campaign concludes, with clarity around budgets and priorities across the market. Any deal would likely be structured to protect Liverpool’s financial position while enabling reinvestment across multiple areas.

Summer window likely pivotal for all parties

For Wirtz, a move to Real Madrid would represent both a reset and a statement opportunity. Despite his struggles in England, his reputation across Europe remains intact, underpinned by previous performances at club and international level.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are preparing for a decisive summer. The club are open to market opportunities, both incoming and outgoing, with flexibility now a defining principle. Whether the £96m valuation is ultimately met will depend on competition and timing, but the door is clearly open.

What began as a headline-grabbing arrival now looks set to become one of the summer’s most intriguing transfer stories, with Wirtz, Real Madrid and Liverpool all weighing ambition against reality.