The rising star of Bayer Leverkusen, captivates clubs like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, but financial constraints may delay his transfer until 2026, allowing him to shine further on the global stage.
Florian Wirtz, the dynamic young forward from Bayer Leverkusen, has been identified as a prospect for transfer to one of Europe’s top clubs for quite some time. Over the past two years, his reputation has soared, culminating in an impressive season that helped lead Leverkusen to a double championship and earned him a significant role in the German national team. Wirtz is undeniably one of the most sought-after talents in global football. However, with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid showing interest, the financial implications of such a prominent transfer pose a major challenge.
Markus Babbel, a former defender for Bayern Munich who possesses a deep insight into the club's operations, believes that Bayern will encounter significant financial obstacles in their pursuit of Wirtz’s contract in 2025. With his current agreement lasting until 2027 and a transfer fee anticipated to exceed €100 million, it is not surprising that leading European clubs are already beginning to prepare for a bidding competition. Nevertheless, Babbel has expressed skepticism about Bayern Munich's ability to afford such an expenditure, recommending that the club take a more patient approach and aim for a transfer in 2026 instead.
“I don’t believe Bayern will be able to acquire him next summer,” Babbel expressed to SportSport. “The financial commitment required—the transfer fee and salary—would be too significant for Bayern at this moment. The only clubs truly capable of affording him next summer are PSG and Real Madrid.”
Understanding the context is essential. Bayern Munich, despite their rich financial history, are recognized for their careful strategy in the transfer market, often placing emphasis on sustainability and fiscal health in the long run rather than making flashy, high-risk investments. Babbel's remarks reflect a truth that many within the organization are undoubtedly aware of: the Bavarians, despite their significant allure, are unlikely to make a big-money move for Wirtz in 2025.
Babbel suggests that a more feasible option would be for Wirtz to join Bayern Munich after the 2026 World Cup, at a time when interest in him might have decreased and his transfer fee could drop to a more manageable €80-90 million. This timing would allow Bayern the chance to stabilize their finances and provides Wirtz with the platform to demonstrate his abilities on the global stage in Qatar, potentially elevating his profile even more.
Furthermore, Bayern’s CEO, Jan-Christian Dreesen, has emphasized that any major transfer must be financially sustainable. This statement underscores the club’s prudent approach and indicates that Bayern's interest in Wirtz hinges on the player's availability at a more acceptable price.
Now that the international break has concluded and club football has resumed, Wirtz is set to return to the pitch for Bayer Leverkusen in their Bundesliga clash against Heidenheim on Saturday, November 23. As he continues to excel for both his club and the national team, the interest surrounding his future intensifies, with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid keeping a close eye on his performance. However, it may be wise for Bayern to adopt a strategy of patience, aiming to secure Wirtz's services when the timing is more advantageous—likely in 2026.
