Bayern Munich enter race to sign Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos’ replacement – report | OneFootball

In what could be a major setback for Real Madrid, a report from SPORT suggests that Bayern Munich have entered the race to sign Florian Wirtz in the summer of 2025.

Wirtz, who currently plays for Bayer Leverkusen, is seen as a key target for Real Madrid as they look to strengthen their midfield options for the next season.

The talented midfielder is highly sought after by some of the best clubs in Europe, and it is said that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is keen to secure his services. This comes following Carlo Ancelotti’s request for a creative midfielder who could serve as a backup for Toni Kroos.

However, Real Madrid now face tough competition from Bayern Munich in their pursuit of Wirtz. According to sources, the German giants have made the young midfielder their top priority for the summer of 2025.

Bayern Munich’s interest means that Real Madrid are not the only club in the race, as several Premier League teams, led by Manchester City, are also looking to join the bidding war for Wirtz.

Bayer Leverkusen’s demand

Florian Wirtz is wanted by Bayern Munich too.. (Photo by Ronny Hartmann/Getty Images)

It is said that Bayer Leverkusen are hesitant to let go of their star player, who is under contract with the club until 2027. If they do decide to negotiate, the starting price for Wirtz is expected to be around €130 million, reflecting his current market value.

This high price tag indicates just how highly valued Wirtz is, given his impressive performances for Leverkusen, where he has been a key player, creating chances and scoring goals.

Despite Wirtz’s obvious talent, some believe he might not be the perfect fit for Real Madrid’s current needs. The club already has several attacking midfielders, including Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler, and Brahim Diaz, who occupy similar positions.

If Wirtz were to join Real Madrid, he might have to adapt his playing style and move to a more central role, similar to how Kroos controls the tempo of the game.

Still, Real Madrid’s desire to have the best talents in their squad drives them to pursue Wirtz, just as they have done with players like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr..

This has sometimes required adjustments, such as moving Mbappe to play as a central forward to accommodate Vinicius on the left wing.

If Wirtz were to join the club, a similar adaptation might be needed, with Bellingham being the preferred choice for the attacking midfield role, and Wirtz potentially having to play in a deeper position to fit into the team’s structure.