Benfica preparing to announce the exit of top Real Madrid defensive target – report

The race to sign Florian Wirtz is well and truly on. After a tremendous spell at Bayer Leverkusen, the young playmaker is widely expected to make a move to a bigger club this summer.

Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have primarily emerged as the main suitors for the German international.

Not too long ago, it was believed that Liverpool will easily get their hands on Wirtz this summer. But things have not moved forward since, which could be a potential cue for Real Madrid.

Real Madrid have not lost hope

According to AS, there is still belief inside Valdebebas that the signing is not finalized. Despite Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer’s recent comments, which hinted that Wirtz is “probably leaning towards Liverpool,” Real Madrid are not throwing in the towel.

Real Madrid are betting big on Alonso’s synergy with Florian Wirtz (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

The Spanish giants are well aware that Liverpool have the financial edge. But what Madrid lack in money, they hope to make up for in other areas – namely, the Xabi Alonso connection.

Wirtz, after all, blossomed under Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen. Although the German had already made quite a name for himself in the Bundesliga, it was under Alonso where he realised his true potential.

Wirtz will be wary of the synergy he has with Alonso, which is something Real Madrid hope can tempt him to make a move to Santiago Bernabeu.

The report adds that Bayer Leverkusen’s €150 million price-tag hasn’t deterred Real Madrid, who see him as a viable long-term investment.

However, the Spanish giants may need to offload multiple stars in order to be able to afford Wirtz, which is perhaps why the sale of Rodrygo could be on the table this summer.