Bundesliga club president confirms Real Madrid target prefers Premier League switch | OneFootball

Real Madrid have suffered a significant blow in their summer transfer plans, as Bayer Leverkusen’s star Florian Wirtz appears to be preferring a move to Liverpool instead of heading to the Santiago Bernabeu.

The German international, who was also heavily courted by Bayern Munich, is reportedly close to finalising his move to Anfield in what could become the biggest signing of the upcoming transfer window.

According to Bayer Leverkusen president Herbert Hainer, Wirtz has made his preference clear. Speaking publicly on Saturday, Hainer stated:

“Max Eberl [Bayern Munich’s sporting director] informed me that Florian Wirtz is leaning towards Liverpool. I don’t know anything else, and I can’t say anything more,” he said as quoted by SPORT.

Goodbye Wirtz

This revelation has seemingly ended speculation linking the 22-year-old with a blockbuster move to Madrid, where manager Xabi Alonso had hoped to bring him in to reinforce Los Blancos‘ midfield.

Florian Wirtz is likely to join Liverpool. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Given Alonso’s close relationship with the player and his time at Leverkusen, Real Madrid had reason to believe they could swoop in and secure Wirtz’s services.

But Liverpool have moved quickly and decisively, with reports suggesting personal terms have already been agreed between the Premier League club and Wirtz.

While Wirtz is now expected to leave the Bundesliga, the final details of the transfer are yet to be settled.

Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly demanding a fee in the region of €150 million, which would make the German playmaker one of the most expensive transfers in football history.

Liverpool, however, appear willing to go the distance to secure their man. While missing out on Wirtz is undoubtedly a setback for Madrid’s long-term planning, the club is unlikely to panic.

Their recruitment in recent years has been among the most effective in Europe, and they remain in the running for other major targets.