Leverkusen's new sensation applauds Barca Star

Xabi Alonso led Bayer Leverkusen to finish their 2023–24 season as one of the greatest campaigns in club football history. Bagging their first Bundesliga along with the DFB Pokal, Xabi's side ended just one game away from an invincible season. Among the likes of youngsters like Jeremie Frimpong, Alejandro Grimaldo, Victor Boniface, and many more, one German talent made his name shine above them all.

Florian Wirtz, who has had a stellar season with 38 goal contributions in 49 games, has already become a potential target for some of the biggest European clubs. With Man City, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid, Barca has also entered the race to sign German talent.

Florian Wirtz and Barca - A long tale

As Mundo Deportivo reports, Deco has been following Wirtz for a while now and loves the youngster's playing style. Not long before, Florian Wirtz had admired the Catalan Giants. Speaking to Sky Sports in April 2022, he said,

"“As a child, I dreamed of playing for Barça, and that has not changed. He had posters hanging in the room: of Leo, of Dembélé, of Aubameyang.". He further added, "My first shirt was Messi's with Argentina; the best; no one could play like him.”"

- Florian Wirtz (via Sky Sport)

Recently, he also praised Joao Felix,

"“He is a similar type of player to me; he is very creative, and I learned that from him.” "

- Florian Wirtz (via Mundo Deportivo)

Though it seems to be a win-win situation for Wirtz and FC Barcelona, the German's move isn't predictable. His contract expires in 2027, and moving him to the Catalan Club would require huge funds.

With more heavily funded clubs entering the trade, the situation for his Barcelona move will worsen. Even though Barca aren't making any high-profile signings this summer, paying the release clause for Wirtz would require them to offload some big names.