Florian Wirtz has been linked with a move to Liverpool this summer, and the attacking midfielder has previously opened up on his ambitions and where he wants to play
Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz (centre) anf Liverpool's Luis Diaz (centre) battle for the ball during the UEFA Champions League, league stage match at Anfield, Liverpool
Florian Wirtz came up against Liverpool earlier this season in the Champions League
(Image: PA)
Bayer Leverkusen's star attacker Florian Wirtz has opened up about his childhood dreams of playing for Barcelona, even as he stands on the cusp of a sensational switch to Liverpool this summer. The 22-year-old sensation is at the heart of one of the transfer window's most talked-about sagas, with strong indications he'll soon be gracing the Premier League.
Wirtz, who joined Leverkusen in 2020 after spending a decade in FC Cologne's academy, quickly emerged as a hot prospect, netting eight goals in various competitions in the 2020/21 season.
As Leverkusen started to make waves in the Bundesliga title race, culminating in an historic, unbeaten run to clinch their first league trophy last term, Wirtz only became more pivotal to their success.
During his standout 2021 season, Wirtz was questioned regarding his sporting aspirations and particularly if he had any career goals. It was in this instance when Wirtz shared his youthful ambition in an interview with Bild, saying: "As a little boy, I always wanted to play for Barcelona," before adding: "That's still the case, but I still have some time until then (laughs)."
Florian Wirtz (L) of Bayer Leverkusen celebrates after the first goal with Jeremie Frimpong of Bayer Leverkusen during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD8 match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AC Sparta Praha at BayArena
Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong are nearing their second stint as team-mates as they close in on transfers to Liverpool
(Image: Getty Images)
Even back in 2022, the German international hinted at his readiness to explore opportunities abroad, reaffirming that he never envisaged spending his entire career in Germany.
"It depends on where I see the next steps in my career," he revealed to Sky Sports Germany when talking about the prospect of leaving Germany.
"Playing abroad at some point is definitely a possibility. But I haven't thought about that yet. I'll just wait and see what happens and then decide where my next step will take me. Whether it'll be at another club or at Leverkusen, I don't know yet."
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick managed Wirtz for two years with the Germany national team
(Image: Joan Valls/Urbanandsport /NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Barcelona's manager, Hansi Flick, well-versed in Wirtz's considerable skills after managing him at the German national side for two years, would naturally be interested in getting the player on board, especially after steering Barca to a La Liga title this season.
However, it looks like Wirtz is set to make a move to Arne Slot's Liverpool team, with talks of the switch setting a new record fee for the Reds.
Should he sign for the Premier League champions, it's likely he'll be joined by Leverkusen team-mate Jeremie Frimpong. The right back looks to be inches away from a return to England, six years after leaving Manchester City's academy to sign for Celtic.