Manchester City and Bayern Munich could be set for transfer disappointment as Florian Wirtz has reportedly decided on his future.
- Wirtz could sign an extension at Leverkusen
- His new deal could be valid until 2028
- Man City & Bayern might have to wait longer
According to Sport Bild, Wirtz is expected to make his final decision by early April, and current indications suggest that his preference is to remain at Leverkusen. His family, who also serve as his advisors, believe a move after the 2026 World Cup would be more beneficial for his career.
If Wirtz commits his future to Leverkusen, the club plans to offer him a contract extension until 2028. The new deal would reportedly include a release clause set at approximately €125 million (£105m/$136m), which would become active in 2026. This clause would allow potential suitors like Bayern, Manchester City, and Real Madrid to trigger a move in the future, but in the short-term, it would ensure that Leverkusen retains control over Wirtz's future. Should Wirtz decide to leave earlier than 2026, Leverkusen would reportedly demand at least €150m (£126m/$164m) for his services.
While Bayern may struggle to meet the financial demands of a potential Wirtz transfer, City remain strong contenders. The Premier League champions are reportedly unbothered by the hefty price tag and could pursue the German international when the time is right. Additionally, Real Madrid are another club closely monitoring the situation. With Luka Modric approaching the twilight of his career, the Spanish giants view Wirtz as a long-term midfield solution. However, with his reported preference to stay in Germany for now, any immediate move seems unlikely.
While Europe's elite clubs will undoubtedly continue to monitor Wirtz’s situation, it seems likely that any move will have to wait until after the 2026 World Cup - unless someone is willing to meet Leverkusen's steep valuation in the summer.