Xabi Alonso Gives Real Madrid & Man City Hope in Florian Wirtz Pursuit

Leverkusen’s Star Midfielder Still Undecided Amidst Interest from Europe’s Elite

As the Bundesliga season nears its conclusion, speculation is heating up over the future of one of Europe’s brightest young stars: Florian Wirtz. While reports in Germany had recently suggested a move to Bayern Munich was already a done deal, Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso has stepped in to cool the talk — and, in the process, handed Real Madrid and Manchester City renewed hope in their pursuit of the 22-year-old playmaker.

For those keeping tabs on the transfer market, Wirtz is hardly a new name. The German international has been lighting up the Bundesliga with dazzling performances all season, playing a key role in Leverkusen’s title charge. Now, as summer approaches, Europe’s biggest clubs are circling.

And with Xabi Alonso confirming his own exit from Leverkusen, potentially en route to a new role at the Santiago Bernabéu, the next destination for both manager and star pupil has suddenly become one of the most compelling storylines of the upcoming transfer window.

Alonso’s Future Still Unconfirmed, but His Message on Wirtz Is Clear

Xabi Alonso (right) and Florian Wirtz could be reunited at Real Madrid / Lars Baron/GettyImages

At what was one of the final press conferences of his time in charge at Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso was inevitably asked about his own next move. While the Spaniard was characteristically coy about his future — Real Madrid are widely tipped to secure his services — he was more forthcoming when it came to discussing Wirtz.

The hot topic in recent days has been Wirtz’s supposed preference for Bayern Munich. Several German media outlets had reported that the attacking midfielder was set to remain in the Bundesliga and join the country’s dominant force. But Xabi Alonso poured cold water on those suggestions.

“Florian Wirtz didn’t tell me that he only wants to go to Bayern,” Xabi Alonso stated firmly. “This is not my information.”

Short, simple, but enough to flip the narrative. For fans of Madrid and City, and perhaps even a few hopefuls in the Premier League, it was a subtle but meaningful message: the race is still open.

Wirtz’s Own Words Add Fuel to the Fire

Further stoking the uncertainty were Wirtz’s own comments in a recent interview with Sports Illustrated Germany, where he hinted that staying in his comfort zone isn’t exactly his long-term plan.

“I’m definitely keen to leave my comfort zone at some point and experience something new,” he said. “I have great respect for the guys here in Leverkusen, who come from South America or Africa, for example, and leave their families and surroundings behind for their careers. I know the football changing rooms well enough and am convinced that I would quickly find a place anywhere.”

It’s the kind of quote that makes executives in Madrid and Manchester sit up a little straighter. Wirtz isn’t just open to a move abroad — he’s actively thinking about it.

Price Tag Set, but Not for the Faint-Hearted

Of course, talent like this doesn’t come cheap. Leverkusen know exactly what they have in Wirtz, and they’re not in a hurry to sell. The club is reportedly demanding a fee in the region of €150 million (£127 million) — a figure that would smash records and make Wirtz one of the most expensive players in history.

That number might seem daunting, but for Europe’s elite, it’s manageable. Manchester City are said to have the funds, even after a busy January window, especially with one eye on eventually replacing Kevin De Bruyne. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have rarely hesitated to spend big on generational talent — and if Xabi Alonso takes the reins, the Spanish giants could have a significant edge.

Bayern Munich Not Out of the Picture Just Yet

It would be foolish to rule out Bayern Munich, even after Xabi Alonso’s remarks. The Bundesliga champions have been relentless in their domestic recruitment, and they’re unlikely to shy away from making a bold move for Wirtz.

According to BILD, Bayern are even considering enlisting the help of long-time sponsor adidas to help foot the bill. The sportswear giant has a long history with the club, and their involvement would mirror the kind of third-party financial engineering we’ve seen before with blockbuster deals.

Still, even with the money and prestige, Bayern’s edge might not be as sharp as it once was. The desire to “leave his comfort zone,” as Wirtz put it, could ultimately push him toward a new league, a new language, and a new challenge.

Real Madrid: The Xabi Alonso Effect?

Here’s where things get really interesting. While nothing is official yet, the football world expects Xabi Alonso to become the next head coach of Real Madrid once Carlo Ancelotti steps aside.

Should that happen, all bets are off. Xabi Alonso has built a strong relationship with Wirtz at Leverkusen, helping develop the midfielder into one of the game’s most complete young players. If Xabi Alonso walks through the doors of Valdebebas this summer, you can almost guarantee Wirtz’s name will be on his wishlist.

And Madrid have the infrastructure, the project, and the pedigree to tempt even the most Bundesliga-anchored player.

Manchester City Lurking Quietly in the Background

Don’t count out Pep Guardiola’s City either. They may not be as vocal in their pursuit — at least not yet — but the club is always watching, always planning. With Ilkay Gündoğan gone and De Bruyne battling injuries and age, the City midfield is in need of fresh dynamism. Wirtz would be a near-perfect fit for Guardiola’s system: press-resistant, technically gifted, and tactically intelligent.

City also have the advantage of being able to wait. They don’t need to rush, and if Madrid and Bayern start to squabble, don’t be surprised if City quietly swoop in with a bid no one can match.

What Happens Next?

With the Bundesliga season wrapping up and Xabi Alonso preparing for his next chapter, the pieces are starting to move. Wirtz’s destination is still unknown, but we now know three things for certain:

1. He hasn’t made a final decision.

2. He’s open to moving abroad.

3. Leverkusen won’t let him go without a fight — or a hefty cheque.

There’s no shortage of suitors. Real Madrid have the manager connection. Manchester City have the tactical fit. Bayern Munich have the domestic pull. It’s going to come down to where Wirtz believes he can take the next step — both professionally and personally.

Final Thoughts

Football fans are always quick to speculate, to try and read between the lines. But when the dust settles, only one person truly knows where Florian Wirtz will go next — and that’s Wirtz himself.

What’s clear is that he’s no longer just a Bundesliga prodigy. He’s a global star in the making. And wherever he ends up, whether under the bright lights of the Bernabéu, the Etihad, or staying put in Germany, one thing is certain: we’ll be talking about Florian Wirtz for many years to come.