Kicker: Wirtz's determination to stay in the team is shaken, and he may leave Leverkusen this summer

2025-04-11 05:39

Florian Wirtz is considering leaving Bayer Leverkusen this summer, according to a report in German football magazine Kicker on Thursday.

The 21-year-old Florian Wirtz mainly plays as a front midfielder and joined Leverkusen from Cologne for 200,000 euros in January 2020. So far, he has made 191 appearances for Leverkusen, scored 56 goals and provided 63 assists, and won the Bundesliga championship, the German Cup and the German Super Cup with the team.

Thanks to his outstanding performance in the club, Wirtz has been selected for the national team since March 2021. So far, he has played 29 games for Germany, contributing 6 goals and 7 assists.

Wirtz's current contract with Leverkusen was originally scheduled to expire in 2027. Kicker pointed out that the two sides had reached a preliminary consensus on staying in the team in December last year, and only waited for the player to sign and confirm. At that time, Wirtz believed that staying in the team would help his technical and psychological growth, while also improving his chances of participating in the 2026 World Cup. However, the strong interest of Manchester City and Bayern Munich made him reconsider his decision to stay and seriously evaluate the possibility of a transfer this summer.

Facing the change in Wirtz's attitude, Leverkusen is in a completely passive situation. In order not to damage the long-established good relationship with the player's family, the club neither exerted any pressure nor set a deadline. Kicker said that although Leverkusen hopes that Wirtz will stay for at least another year, the final decision is in the hands of the player and his family. The club can only wait for their decision.