Real Madrid News
€120 million-rated Real Madrid target unlikely to leave current club in the summer, claims father
Florian Wirtz has been making a lot of waves in the Bundesliga and has been key to Bayer Leverkusen’s exceptional start to the ongoing campaign.
In 19 appearances this term, the 20-year-old versatile star has produced a return of six goals and ten assists in all competitions, making him one of the most standout performers in Europe.
The German international’s form and potential have put him on the radars of several top teams across Europe, which includes Real Madrid, Manchester City, United, and Liverpool.
Real Madrid have been tracking Wirtz for a while
Real Madrid’s interest in Wirtz is not something entirely new, with the club having kept tabs on the German prodigy for a while now.
In fact, recent reports have suggested that Wirtz is just one of three Leverkusen players that Los Blancos are monitoring, along with Jeremie Frimpong and Victor Boniface.
Any move for Wirtz would have always been difficult, given his contract runs until 2027 and that the Bundesliga club value him at around €120 million.
Wirtz’s father shuts down exit talks
Now, any possibility of a summer move for Wirtz appears to have been put to bed by his father-cum-agent.
Indeed, in a recent interaction with Sky Sport Germany (h/t Florian Plettenberg), Hans-Joachim Wirtz, the Leverkusen wonderkid’s father, said:
“Currently, everything is geared towards Florian continuing to play in Leverkusen next season.”
Plettenberg further adds that as things stand Wirtz will stay at Bayer Leverkusen next season and a transfer is likely in 2025, with Bayern Munich emerging as strong contenders for his signing.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
