- Wirtz stars for Leverkusen in 2023-24
- Having a “great time” at Alonso’s side
- German icon backs him to join Bayern
WHAT HAPPENED?
The 21-year-old enjoyed a stellar season with Leverkusen and that has led to links with Bundesliga rivals Bayern. He himself “feels good” at Xabi Alonso’s team but refrained from saying he would definitely stay put for next term. Incidentally, German icon Jurgen Kohler believes the attacking midfielder, whose contract runs until 2027, will link up with the Bavarians at some point in the future.
WHAT FLORIAN WIRTZ SAID
He told Sky Germany: “Everyone knows my contract. Now is not the time to talk about it. I’m definitely having a great time in Leverkusen and I feel good. The European Championship is 100 per cent on my mind right now. I don’t care about anything else right now.”
Kohler, who won the 1990 World Cup with Germany, believes Wirtz and Leverkusen team-mate Jonathan Tah could both be at Bayern soon.
“Bayern ‘s great strength has always been that they have the best German national players. I think Tah should make this move because as a player you always strive for the highest possible, even if he had a sensational season with Leverkusen. Florian Wirtz will be the next to sign for Bayern,” he said.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Wirtz has caught the world’s attention after scoring 18 goals and bagging 20 assists; feats which earned him the best Bundesliga player of the 2023-24 season award. It remains to be seen if he will still be at Leverkusen, who he helped win the league and DFB-Pokal last term, next term.
WHAT NEXT?
Wirtz is now gearing up to represent Germany at this summer’s European Championship in his home country. If he performs well there, his asking price will get even higher – with the youngster valued in excess of £125 million.
