‘Shocking reversal’ new contract possibility↑… 226 billion ‘special talent’ remaining, changing direction

Florian Wirtz (21, Bayer Leverkusen), currently Europe’s representative ‘special talent’, is expected to remain in the team next summer. It was initially predicted that he would pursue a transfer for a new challenge after this season, and considering that numerous big clubs were showing interest in him, it was expected that a war for his recruitment would begin, so this is truly a ‘big upset’.

According to the German media Kicker on the 15th (Korean time), Leverkusen is making every effort to renew its contract with Wirtz, an irreplaceable resource, and it is highly likely that the contract period will be extended by one year until 2028. Accordingly, it is expected that Wirtz will not transfer next summer but will remain and continue with Leverkusen next season.

Wirtz, who joined Leverkusen’s youth team in January 2020 and was soon called up to the first team, has grown into a top-class midfielder representing Europe. With the versatility to play in all areas of the midfield, he is evaluated as a skilled player who can lead the game based on his outstanding decompression, sharp kicks, wide field of vision, and genius sense.

Except for the period of long-term absence due to a ruptured left anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2022, Wirtz has been active as a key player for Leverkusen. In fact, he has produced 52 goals and 55 assists in 176 games, generating a lot of attack points. In particular, he played a major role in helping Leverkusen reach the top of the German Bundesliga for the first time in 120 years since its founding last season and win the German Football Federation (DFB) Pokal Cup.

As he garnered considerable attention in Germany, Wirtz made his A-match debut in September 2021. After that, he was unable to play for a while due to a ruptured left anterior cruciate ligament, but he returned to the starting lineup in March of last year. He previously participated in the 2024 European Championship (Euro 2024) held in his home country in June and showed off his outstanding performance. He has recorded 6 goals and 7 assists in 29 A-matches.

Naturally, big clubs began courting Wirtz. Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich showed interest in Wirtz. Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea also kept an eye on Wirtz. Amidst this, it was predicted that the recruitment war would begin in earnest as it was speculated that Wirtz would pursue a transfer for a new challenge next summer.

Leverkusen also showed signs of selling him, setting a transfer fee, judging that they would not be able to keep him since he was receiving a lot of attention from big clubs. Therefore, it was virtually a matter of time before Wirtz would transfer. Leverkusen comprehensively considered Wirtz’s skills, potential, and performance, and set a transfer fee of 150 million euros (approximately 226 billion won).

However, Leverkusen recently changed its direction toward keeping Wirtz and began pushing for a new contract, and Wirtz also responded positively to the new contract, changing the mood toward staying. In particular, Leverkusen is known to be planning to extend the contract period by promising Wirtz exceptional terms such as increased salary and bonuses.

Kicker said, “Leverkusen is doing its best to extend Wirtz’s contract, and both parties are positive about continuing their partnership. “Wirtz can play for Leverkusen next season as well,” he predicted, adding, “Leverkusen is already earning a lot of money by participating in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) this season, so it won’t be a big burden to increase Wirtz’s salary.”

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