Bayern Munich & Barcelona chasing Leverkusen wonderkid Florian Wirtz

Florian Wirtz earlier claimed he dreams of representing Barcelona

Bayern Munich have reportedly entered the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz, dealing Barcelona a setback.

Wirtz, who is only 20 years old, has already appeared in 113 games for Leverkusen in various competitions, scoring 26 goals and dishing out 34 assists while displaying composure and maturity well above his years.

Even though the German extended his contract with Leverkusen this summer through 2027, prominent teams are still interested in signing him.

Barcelona have been keeping an eye on Wirtz for some time, but now Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern have entered the contest. Bayern wants to pair Wirtz with Jamal Musiala to form a young midfield core, according to Bild (via Diario SPORT). (English translation from Spanish) Diario tweeted.

In 10 games throughout leagues this campaign, Wirtz has scored three goals and provided four assists while starting all but one of them. In all three leagues for Leverkusen—the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and UEFA Europa League—he has scored, and each time his club has triumphed.

In their respective 2023–24 seasons, Bayern Munich and Barcelona have both gotten off to a respectable start. Both teams have competed in 11 games, with Barcelona going undefeated and Bayern only losing once.

The Spanish club has eight victories overall, including six in nine league games, and is three points behind Real Madrid (24) in first place. They have two victories in the UEFA Champions League.

The German giants suffered its lone loss of the year in the DFL-Supercup opener against RB Leipzig, falling 3-0. Since then, Thomas Tuchel's team has won eight of its last ten games overall.

Five victories in seven league games, two in the Champions League, and one in the DFB-Pokal are included in that.