Transfer Talk: Madrid look at Wirtz to be Kroos replacement

Posted Friday, May 10, 2024 by ESPN

Real Madrid could sign Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz to replace Toni Kroos in the summer of 2025, reports by Sport Bild.

The 21-year-old has played a key role in Leverkusen's historic campaign -- which now includes a UEFA Europa League final -- which has resulted in interest from the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Los Blancos.

Even so, Wirtz wants to stay where he is for another year, play in the European Championship with Germany, and then have his first experiences in the UEFA Champions League before taking that next step.

It will take at least €150 million to sign him, but Wirtz also wants to be at a club that is one of the favourites for the biggest title every season.

A stay in Madrid is seen as the best way to achieve that and the plan is for the Germany international to replace Kroos in the team in 2025.

Wirtz plays farther forward than Kroos, so his introduction could see Jude Bellingham drop deeper than the 20-year-old's current role.

Bayern are not yet giving up on the idea of signing Wirtz while Los Blancos' plan also depends on Kroos, who has a contract that ends this summer and is expected to decide in May regarding whether he will renew.

Florian Wirtz might be an option for Real Madrid next year to replace Toni Kroos in the midfield.