“Liverpool showing interest in me is a significant step in my career, and I won’t let anything stand in my way. It’s Liverpool or nothing,” says Bayer Leverkusen star as he rejects a contract offer following Liverpool’s unsuccessful bid. This is the amount Liverpool is set to pay to sign him for next.

Liverpool appears to be lagging in their chase for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, with Real Madrid now emerging as the frontrunner for the young talent.

Wirtz, who was instrumental in Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten Bundesliga title-winning season, has drawn attention from several elite European clubs, including Liverpool. However, recent developments suggest that the Reds are encountering significant obstacles.

According to Marca, Real Madrid has made two crucial agreements regarding Wirtz’s transfer in the summer of 2025.

The first agreement, involving Wirtz, his representatives, and Bayer Leverkusen, ensures he remains with the German champions until the end of the 2024/25 season.

The second agreement, a verbal commitment with Real Madrid, outlines the personal terms and the plan for Wirtz’s transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2025.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has assured that financial constraints will not impede the transfer, which could be valued at €150 million (£127 million).

This development is part of Real Madrid’s broader interest in Leverkusen, including rumors about Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso potentially joining Real Madrid alongside Wirtz.

Alonso, who was a candidate for the Liverpool managerial position earlier this year, ultimately withdrew, leading to Liverpool appointing Arne Slot instead.

Currently, Wirtz is focused on the European Championship in Germany, where he plays a key role for the national team. Germany’s first match is against Scotland, followed by fixtures against Hungary and Switzerland in Group A.

As Wirtz prepares for his first major international tournament, the anticipation of his future move to Real Madrid adds extra excitement for fans and analysts.