Manchester City and Liverpool’s pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen’s midfielder Florian Wirtz may face obstacles as Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen’s manager, has decided to stay with the Bundesliga leaders. Despite the interest from top Premier League clubs, Alonso’s presence at Leverkusen could complicate any potential transfer deals.
Wirtz, a talented midfielder, rose to prominence after making his senior professional debut for Leverkusen in the Bundesliga in May 2020, becoming the youngest player in the club’s history to do so. His impressive performances quickly caught the attention of football fans worldwide, especially after he became the youngest goalscorer in Bundesliga history at the age of 17 years and 34 days.
The 20-year-old midfielder has continued to shine for Leverkusen, scoring crucial goals and breaking records along the way. Despite suffering a long-term injury in March 2022, Wirtz made a remarkable return to form, showcasing his talent with a goal and a hat-trick of assists in a Europa League match against Qarabağ in October 2023.
Wirtz’s contract extension with Leverkusen until 2026 highlights the club’s commitment to retaining their young star. His impressive stats, including 104 appearances and 21 goals from 2020 until today, further solidify his importance to the team.
While Manchester City and Liverpool may be eager to secure Wirtz’s signature, the presence of Xabi Alonso as Leverkusen’s manager adds a layer of complexity to any potential transfer negotiations. Leverkusen’s reluctance to part ways with Wirtz, coupled with Alonso’s decision to stay, could hinder the Premier League clubs’ attempts to sign the talented midfielder.
As Wirtz continues to impress on the field, clubs vying for his signature will need to navigate the challenges posed by Leverkusen’s strong stance and Alonso’s commitment to the club’s future.
