According to reports, Real Madrid believes they would outbid Barcelona for Florian Wirtz’s services if and when he decides to leave Bayer Leverkusen.

Wirtz is one of world football’s most sought-after prospects following a remarkable 2023/24 season in which he helped Leverkusen to a historic undefeated Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double, with their sole defeat coming in the Europa League final against Atalanta. Across all competitions, he scored 18 goals and assisted 20 times.

The 21-year-old was also one of Germany’s standout players during their run to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 before losing to Spain, scoring his country’s first and final goals of the tournament.

Understandably, Wirtz has been heavily linked with a move away from Leverkusen, although he is set to stay in Germany for at least another season.

Catalan outlet SPORT report Barcelona would want to recruit Wirtz, but considering their poor financial situation, they know it would be extremely tough.

As a result, many upstairs at the Santiago Bernabeu feel Madrid is in a strong position to sign him instead. The club already has an excellent relationship with Leverkusen, and he will be their third big transfer target in the next 12 months, following Lille’s Leny Yoro and Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies.

Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has always stated that he will not entertain offers for Wirtz below €150 million.

In the near term, 90min understands Barcelona is interested in signing Wirtz’s Leverkusen teammate Jeremie Frimpong, but they face competition from Manchester City and Manchester United for his services.