New verdict on Florian Wirtz to Liverpool transfer after Real Madrid 'surprise'
Liverpool are the clear favourites to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen but Xabi Alonso's relationship with the player has led to links with Real Madrid
Former Germany boss Joachim Low felt that Xabi Alonso made Real Madrid the favourites to sign Florian Wirtz if he did choose to leave Bayer Leverkusen - but Liverpool are the team leading the race for his signature.
The German playmaker has been heavily linked with the exit door at the BayArena as a number of Europe's biggest clubs circle. Originally Manchester City, Liverpool and Bayern Munich all expressed their interest - before Pep Guardiola's side backed out.
Wirtz looks to have decided that he'd rather move to Anfield as opposed to the Allianz Arena with the Reds already seeing several bids rejected. Real were then credited with an interest in the player - amid reports they could hijack his move to Anfield.
Their focus has been on landing a new manager and Los Blancos have appointed Alonso, their former player, as their latest boss. But despite his relationship with Wirtz, Liverpool remain on the brink of his transfer.
The ex-Germany head coach told Bild: "I just thought he'd be more likely to choose Real Madrid if he went abroad. He has developed enormously under him [Alonso] and they have a great relationship of trust. That's very important for a young player.
"Nevertheless, I have no concerns that Wirtz will prevail – no matter where he would have gone. He plays with a naturalness that can't be coached. He possesses all the skills a footballer needs to be a world-class player."
Wirtz and Alonso were two of the leading figure as Leverkusen stunned the German establishment by winning the Bundesliga last season. They also claimed the German Cup with their playmaker scoring 34 times across the last two seasons, but The Black and Reds have seen a number of their major names depart this summer - Jeremie Frimpong among them.
Low claimed that a switch to Bayern "would have been a good fit" for Wirtz but the Bavarians don't look set to battle for the 22-year-old - leaving Liverpool free to pursue him should they eventually agree on a price with Leverkusen, who are holding out for £126m before they agree to his exit.
The former Germany boss claimed: "Liverpool is a real statement because moving to the Premier League also involves a lot of adaptation and that starts with the rhythm of the game, but Florian Wirtz has no upper limit, he's definitely ready for the next step. We've had that feeling for a long time."
Ex-Liverpool and Germany midfielder Dietmar Hamann praised Wirtz for sticking with his decision to join the Premier League champions, despite interest from elsewhere.
"Florian Wirtz has made a decision. I believe it's the right one," Hamann told Sky Sports Germany.
"Things are really happening at Liverpool under Arne Slot. They'll sign, or want to sign, two or three other players, from what I hear. That's why I think Wirtz has made a very good decision."
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