Florian Wirtz emerges as a football sensation with Bayer Leverkusen, attracting attention from elite clubs like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, yet financial hurdles may delay his potential transfer until after the 2026 World Cup.
Florian Wirtz, the young attacking powerhouse hailing from Bayer Leverkusen, has been tipped for a transfer to one of Europe's top clubs for some time. Over the past two years, he has experienced a meteoric rise, culminating in an impressive season that saw him help Leverkusen achieve a double and secure a significant role in the German national team. Wirtz is certainly among the most sought-after talents in global football. However, with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid showing interest, the financial implications of such a high-profile transfer pose a considerable obstacle.
Markus Babbel, a former defender for Bayern Munich with a deep insight into the club's dynamics, believes that Bayern will encounter significant financial hurdles in their pursuit of Wirtz's signature in 2025. With Wirtz's contract extending until 2027 and a transfer fee anticipated to exceed €100 million, it’s no surprise that top European teams are already preparing for a bidding war. However, Babbel expresses skepticism about Bayern Munich's ability to afford such an investment, recommending that the club should take a more patient approach and aim for a transfer in 2026 instead.
“I don’t believe Bayern can acquire him next summer,” Babbel stated to SportSport. “The overall financial commitment—encompassing the transfer fee and wages—would be too high for Bayern at this moment. The only teams capable of affording him next summer are PSG and Real Madrid.”
The surrounding circumstances are essential to understand. Bayern Munich, despite their historical financial strength, is recognized for their careful strategy in the transfer market, often favoring sustainability and long-term financial stability over flashy, high-risk acquisitions. Babbel's statements reflect a reality that many within the club are all too aware of: the Bavarians, despite their undeniable allure, are unlikely to spend extravagantly on Wirtz in 2025.
According to Babbel, a more viable option would be a transfer to Bayern Munich following the 2026 World Cup. By then, the demand for Wirtz might have decreased, allowing his transfer fee to drop to a more feasible range of €80-90 million. This timeframe would enable Bayern to better manage their finances while also providing Wirtz the platform to demonstrate his skills on the grandest stage in Qatar, potentially enhancing his reputation even further.
Compounding the situation, Bayern's CEO, Jan-Christian Dreesen, has emphasized that any major transfer must be financially feasible. This statement reinforces the club's cautious strategy and indicates that Bayern's interest in Wirtz hinges on the possibility of acquiring the player at a more reasonable price.
Now that the international break has concluded and club football resumes, 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 impress both for his club and the national team, the speculation about his future intensifies, with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid keeping a close eye on his performances. For now, it appears that a wise strategy for Bayern might be to adopt a wait-and-see approach, aiming to acquire Wirtz's talents when circumstances are more favorable—most likely in 2026.
