Real Madrid are reportedly becoming increasingly confident of winning the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen attacker Florian Wirtz during next summer's transfer window.
The 21-year-old was in excellent form for Leverkusen during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 18 goals and registering 20 assists in 49 appearances in all competitions.
Wirtz managed 11 goals and 12 assists in 32 Bundesliga appearances, while he registered four goals and four assists in 11 Europa League fixtures, and three goals and four assists in six German Cup outings.
The attacker represented Germany at Euro 2024, meanwhile, and a successful tournament saw him score twice in five appearances at the competition, including a goal in Friday's 2-1 loss to Spain in the quarter-finals.
Wirtz has another three years left to run on his contract with Xabi Alonso's side, and he will not be on the move this summer, but it is widely thought that the German will depart in a big-money deal in 2025.
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Real Madrid 'confident' of winning Wirtz race
According to Sport, despite the strength of the competition, Real Madrid are confident that they will win the race for his signature during next summer's transfer window.
The report claims that Barcelona are also keen, while Bayern Munich are expected to be in the picture.
However, Real Madrid believe that they are well-placed to secure a deal due to their relationship with Leverkusen.
The capital outfit's strong financial position could also give them an advantage over the other clubs in the race, although there is also expected to be interest from the Premier League if Wirtz has another strong campaign.
Wirtz advanced through the youth system at FC Koln before switching to Leverkusen in 2020, and he has represented his current side on 152 occasions, scoring 41 goals and registering 50 assists.
![Germany's Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz celebrate the team's first goal on June 14, 2024 [IMAGO]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/24/jamal-musiala-florian-wirtz_1.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Germany's Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz celebrate the team's first goal on June 14, 2024 [IMAGO]")
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How much would Wirtz cost?
Earlier this year, Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro said that Wirtz's valuation is at least €150m (£127m).
In truth, it is likely to be less than that, but transfermarkt have played a valuation of €130m (£110m) on him, and there is no question that it will take huge money to sign him next summer.
Much will depend on how the German performs during the 2024-25 campaign, as another strong season would place Leverkusen in an excellent spot to demand one of the biggest fees of all time.
However, if there is a drop-off in his performances, Real Madrid might believe that they can sign him for a relatively cut-price fee.
Wirtz is seemingly developing into one of the best attacking midfielders in world football, and Leverkusen will be fully aware that the upcoming season will likely be their last one with him in their side.
Matt Law
