Liverpool are reportedly in danger of losing out to a European rival in the race for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz this summer.
The Premier League champions are understood to have stepped up their pursuit of the highly-rated 22-year-old in recent weeks, following Manchester City's decision to allegedly withdraw their interest.
Pep Guardiola's side had been heavily linked with Wirtz who was regarded by many as an ideal successor to Kevin De Bruyne, but it is understood that their decision to cool their interest is due to the soaring costs of any proposed deal.
Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich have also held a keen interest in Wirtz for some time, but the German club's board member for sport, Max Eberl, has been informed that "Wirtz is probably leaning towards Liverpool".
The Reds have subsequently tested the waters by tabling their first official bid for Wirtz, with any potential deal for the attacking midfielder - valued at €150m (£125.5m) - expected to eclipse the British transfer record fee of £115m that Chelsea spent on Moises Caicedo in 2023.
© Imago
Real Madrid plotting to hijack Liverpool's move for Wirtz
The acquisition of Wirtz by Liverpool would represent a statement signing for head coach Arne Slot, but it now appears that they will face stern competition for his signature this summer, and could even fall behind in the race.
According to reports from Spanish news outlet AS, there is 'still a game of tug-of-war to be played' over Wirtz, with Real Madrid 'far from throwing in the towel'.
Los Blancos now have an ace up their sleeve as they recently confirmed the appointment of former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso as their new head coach, having previously worked with Wirtz at Leverkusen, helping him transform into one of the Europe's hottest commodities.
While Liverpool are said to have taken the lead in the race to sign Wirtz, Real Madrid remain hopeful that they can successfully hijack their move and lure the German to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.
© Imago
Why is Wirtz in demand this summer?
Wirtz, who recently admitted that he is "quite lucky to have so many excellent clubs right on my doorstep", has established himself as a star player at both Leverkusen and in the Bundesliga in recent seasons.
The versatile attacker was named 2023-24 Bundesliga Player of the Season after contributing with 11 goals and 12 assists in 32 league appearances to help Leverkusen with their first-ever German top-flight title and go the entire domestic campaign unbeaten.
Wirtz only turned 22 years of age earlier this month, but he has already made a total of 197 appearances for Leverkusen across all competitions, scoring 57 goals and registering 65 assists.
The 29-cap Germany international was unable to lift silverware in 2024-25, but he still enjoyed an excellent individual campaign, recording 15 goals and 16 assists in 45 games, including 26 goals contributions (10 goals, 13 assists) in 31 Bundesliga matches.
It is understood that the race for Wirtz remains wide open and the player himself will ultimately decide which club that he wishes to join should he - as expected - opt to leave Leverkusen.
Oliver Thomas
