Following Real Madrid's recent defeat to Lille, reports indicate that club president Florentino Perez is setting his sights on signing Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. The German newspaper *Bild* reports that Wirtz, a standout young talent, has become a priority for Perez, who is ready to make a substantial investment in securing his transfer.
The match against Lille reportedly underscored Madrid's need for a player with strong playmaking skills, a role previously filled by Toni Kroos. As Kroos nears retirement, Perez sees Wirtz as an ideal long-term replacement, both in terms of talent and vision on the field. Under coach Xabi Alonso, Wirtz has flourished, gaining attention across Europe, with Bayern Munich, Arsenal, and Manchester City also reportedly interested.
Real Madrid faces stiff competition, particularly from Manchester City, where Pep Guardiola is searching for a successor to Kevin De Bruyne. However, Leverkusen’s management remains firm on their valuation of Wirtz, who is under contract until 2026, at around €150 million. Should Madrid succeed in this pursuit, the transfer could break records as the most expensive acquisition in the club’s history.