Wirtz Faces Real Madrid Speculation After Liverpool Struggles

Florian Wirtz's future at Liverpool has become a subject of renewed transfer speculation, with Spanish media reports linking the Germany international to Real Madrid for summer 2027. The proposed scenario involves Kylian Mbappe moving in the opposite direction, while former German Football Association chief Oliver Bierhoff has separately suggested that Barcelona could suit the 23-year-old midfielder.

According to a report published by SportBild on October 5, 2026, Wirtz has struggled to meet expectations since leaving Bayer Leverkusen for Liverpool in summer 2025. He has recorded seven goals and 11 assists in 55 competitive appearances, according to the report. His Liverpool contract runs until 2030.

A separate report published on October 10 by Tipico, citing Spanish outlet Fichajes.net, described a possible exchange involving Wirtz and Mbappe in summer 2027. The scenario remains transfer speculation rather than a confirmed agreement between the clubs.

Real Madrid had reportedly pursued Wirtz before his move to England in 2025, but the Spanish club did not secure his signature. The latest speculation has also drawn attention to Mbappe's situation in Madrid, where reports have raised questions about his sporting circumstances and internal tensions.

Journalist Francois Gallardo, cited by Defensa Central, said contacts had taken place between Liverpool officials and people close to the 27-year-old French forward. The available reports do not establish that either club has agreed to a transfer or that a swap deal is under formal consideration.

Bierhoff, the former head of the German Football Association, believes Wirtz retains the quality to succeed at the highest level but needs to demonstrate his ability consistently on the pitch. Speaking on BILD's Die Lage der Liga program, he assessed the midfielder's standing and the expectations surrounding his performances.

"He is an absolute world-class player who now has to prove it once again. He needs to do that through his performances on the pitch, delivering consistently and making his mark." Bierhoff said.

Bierhoff also argued that adapting to England should not prevent Wirtz from succeeding in another country. He identified Barcelona, where Hansi Flick is the coach, as a potential destination because of the team's playing environment and the quality of its technical players.

"I believe he could fit at several clubs. When he went to England, based on how I assessed him, I also said he would not let a different country unsettle him. I believe he could succeed in other countries, too.

I could see him doing well under Hansi Flick at Barcelona. He would have space there and excellent technical teammates." Bierhoff said.

At Liverpool, manager Andoni Iraola has sought to improve Wirtz's effectiveness by assigning him a central attacking midfield role. According to SportBild, Iraola reorganized the attack to place the Germany international in a position intended to maximize his creative ability, although the player has yet to reproduce the impact he made at Leverkusen.

Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has also highlighted expectations for greater output from Wirtz in goals and assists, according to the October 10 report. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich remains another club associated with the midfielder in transfer discussions, although the report says the German club does not currently have an immediate need for a player in his position.

Any potential move would face significant financial considerations. SportBild reported that Liverpool paid Bayer Leverkusen a transfer fee of €150 million for Wirtz in 2025 and that his annual salary is €20 million, figures that could complicate negotiations with another club.