Real Madrid begin to work on signing Wirtz but want to wait until summer 2025

Real Madrid are reportedly aiming to make Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz their marquee signing for the 2025-26 season.

This summer is set to be busy for Los Blancos, with Kylian Mbappe on the market  after he announced he will be leaving PSG. However, it seems planning has already gone beyond next term, and Wirtz has supposedly caught their eye.

Wirtz, 21, has been crucial to Xabi Alonso's side this season as they are closing in on an unprecedented invincible treble-winning season.

The German international has racked up 37 goal involvements in all competitions so far this season, netting 18 goals, and providing 19 assists.

His numbers have seemingly attracted the attention of the Spanish giants, and according to Spanish outlet Marca, Madrid have begun work on acquiring the young star for the summer of 2025.

Real Madrid have a knack for scouting out young talent and to make sure they secure who they desire, they plant the seeds early. The transfers of Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga, are good examples of when it has worked.

17-year-old Brazilian superstar, Endrick, is another. The forward will arrive at the Bernabeu in the summer, but the official announcement for his transfer was back in 2022.

It's not surprising that the 14-time Champions League winners are fond of Wirtz, he has been an integral part to Bayer Leverkusen's record breaking 49-match unbeaten streak.

Wirtz joined Leverkusen as a 17-year-old, and impressed right from when he stepped through the door. But his progress suffered a setback in March 2022, when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his knee.

However, under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, the attacking midfielder has not looked back since returning from the injury in early 2023.

Wirtz can both provide, and finish, and he pops up in the biggest moments. He scored his first career hat-trick in a 5-0 rout over Werder Bremen to secure Leverkusen's first Bundesliga title in their history.

If the German midfielder does eventually end up at Real Madrid, he will have to get used to that feeling.

Former Bundesliga star, Bellingham, has found that out this season. Los Blancos secured a record-extending 36th La Liga title on May 4, and they will battle it out with Borussia Dortmund for Champions League at Wembley on June 1.

If Wirtz does indeed sign for Madrid in 2025 and partner up with Bellingham, Los Blancos' midfield transition could be complete.