Bayern Munich are leaving no stone unturned in their bid to secure a record-breaking move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz this summer, according to reports from Germany.
The transfer rumours surrounding Wirtz have been building since last summer.
After leading Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title in 2024, the reigning Bundesliga Player of the Year is set to have an even more impressive season, despite his team’s struggles to defend their titles.
Manchester City have long been linked with Wirtz as a potential successor to Kevin De Bruyne, and speculation has only intensified since the Belgian’s forced exit from the Etihad was confirmed.
Real Madrid are also rumoured to be interested, but Bayern Munich’s entire summer strategy is reportedly focused on Wirtz’s future.
According to SPORT BILD, the Bavarian giants are exploring various revenue streams to free up the necessary funds for a blockbuster transfer.
Leverkusen have made it clear that they are not keen on losing Wirtz this summer, but if the highly talented 21-year-old is to depart, his price tag will start at €150m (£128.5m).
This fee would surpass the €100m (£86.4m) record set by Harry Kane’s move to Bayern in 2023.
Despite the high asking price, Bayern are reportedly prepared to commit up to €250m (£214m) for Wirtz, factoring in his salary and potential bonuses.
This ambitious move comes after Bayern announced that Thomas Müller will be leaving the club, which will save them approximately €17m in annual wages.
However, Bayern’s supervisory board member Karl-Heinz Rummenigge acknowledged that any deal for Wirtz would still be “difficult.”
“It’s not the market value that matters,” Rummenigge said earlier this year in an interview with AZ.
“It’s the total amount that will ultimately need to be paid for the transfer. That will undoubtedly be difficult because Wirtz is a very sought-after player.”
Despite the challenges, Bayern’s interest in Wirtz is undeniable.
“Uli Hoeness has said that Wirtz is his dream signing—and that’s putting it mildly,” Rummenigge added.
“Everyone at Bayern agrees he is exactly the type of player we want. Not to weaken Leverkusen, but to strengthen us. Wirtz is the best player in Germany.”
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