Florian Wirtz has “agreed to an agreement” to join Real Madrid at the end of next season

Real Madrid have reportedly taken the lead in the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen star midfielder Florian Wirtz, leaving Liverpool in their wake.

Wirtz, 21, has become one of the most sought-after players in Europe after a stellar season, during which his performances were central to Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten Bundesliga title campaign.

Now, with Euro 2024 set to take place on earth from next week, Wirtz is also eyeing international success with Germany, raising his profile even further.

Until recently, Liverpool had been widely mentioned as a potential destination for Wirtz. However, the latest reports from Spain would indicate that the Reds now face significant competition from Real Madrid.

Florian Wirtz agrees with Real Madrid

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, two deals have been agreed, paving the way for Wirtz to move to the Santiago Bernabeu, rather than Anfield, in the summer of 2025.

The first agreement, a verbal one, involves Wirtz, his representatives and his current club, Leverkusen. This will ensure that Wirtz remains with the German champions until the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

The second agreement, also verbal, involves Wirtz and Real Madrid, who have agreed on personal terms for the player.

Los Blancos president Florentino Perez is reportedly willing to spend up to €150m (£127m) to secure Wirtz’s signature.

Coach Xabier Alonso Olano Bayer, Florian Wirtz Bayer, Leverkusen, Germany, 10.02.2024, 1. Bundesliga, 21. Spieltag, Bayer 04 Leverkusen – FC Bayern Munich. DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO SEQUENCES *** Head Coach Xabier Alonso Olano Bayer , Florian Wirtz Bayer , Leverkusen, Germany, 10 02 2024, 1 Bundesliga, 21 Matchday, Bayer 04 Leverkusen FC Bayern München DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE AND QUASI-VIDEO SEQUENCES

Will Xabi Alonso join Wirtz in Madrid?

This news comes on the heels of recent reports in Germany highlighting Real Madrid’s interest in both Wirtz and Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso.

Alonso, a former Liverpool midfielder, was a candidate for the Liverpool manager job earlier this year but chose to stay in Germany, with Arne Slot eventually taking the job.

However, with Carlo Ancelotti set to leave the European champions next summer, Real Madrid now look in pole position to beat Liverpool to not only their former top managerial target but also one of their brightest young stars from Europe.