The father of Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz has commented on the transfer speculation surrounding his son amid reported interest from Liverpool and Real Madrid.
Wirtz elevated his game to new heights in 2023-24 and was named Bundesliga Player of the Season after playing a key role in helping Leverkusen with their first-ever German top-flight title, with Xabi Alonso's side going the entire campaign unbeaten.
The 21-year-old, who also won the DFB-Pokal and reached the Europa League final with Leverkusen last season, scored 18 goals and registered 20 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions, and he has since carried over his exceptional form onto the international stage.
Indeed, Wirtz netted the opening goal for Euro 2024 hosts Germany in their thumping 5-1 victory over Scotland in Group A, and the attacking midfielder is set to play a important role in Julian Nagelsmann's side at this summer's tournament.
Wirtz's impressive rise for club and country has understandably caught the eye of a number of top European clubs in recent months, including Premier League giants Liverpool and Champions League winners Real Madrid.
Wirtz's father plays down transfer speculation
A recent report claims that La Liga champions Real Madrid have agreed a 'pact' with Wirtz ahead of a proposed transfer in 2025.
Liverpool are also said to be exploring the possibility of recruiting Wirtz and strengthening their attack under new head coach Arne Slot.
However, Wirtz's father has played down such speculation and has insisted that the youngster plans to stay put at Leverkusen.
Speaking about Wirtz's future to Bild, the attacker's father Hans said: "Florian has a contract in Leverkusen. He's looking forward to next year at Bayer 04 when he can play in the Champions League with Leverkusen for the first time.
"Those are the facts. Now the focus is on the Euros. After that there's a lot to do with the club next season, so there's no need for speculation. There's really nothing to say beyond that."
Wirtz only focused on Euro 2024 amid transfer links
Wirtz himself has also distanced himself from reported interest from elsewhere and is fully focused on representing Germany at Euro 2024.
"Everyone knows my contract. Now is not the time to talk about that," Wirtz told Sky Sports. "I'm definitely having a great time in Leverkusen and I feel good. My mind is 100% focused on the Euros. Anything else doesn't matter right now."
Last month, Leverkusen managing director Simon Rolfes expressed his confidence that Wirtz would remain at the club for the 2024-25 season under the tutelage of head coach Alonso.
"He will stay," said Rolfes. "His father and agent have said it before. He has a contract here and he's really happy. This is the right place for him to develop as a player and person. His future is bright, that's for sure.
"He is such a good player and shows a great will to win and to work. It's not normally the attributes of a number 10 but he combines talent with the work rate of a six or a defensive player along with producing special magic moments."
Wirtz will be hoping to make his mark for Germany once again when they take on Hungary at the MHPArena in Stuttgart in their second Euro 2024 Group A fixture on Wednesday. body check tags ::
