Newcastle United have suffered a blow to their interest in the transfer of Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz. Barcelona have now seduced the German after speaking with his father.
That is according to Sport, which reports Camp Nou chiefs have spoken with Wirtz’s father on a move to Catalunya. The 19-year-old is also ‘very seduced’ by the idea of joining the La Liga giants. But Barcelona have asked that he holds off on a transfer before they can move.
Bayer Leverkusen are unlikely to stand in the midfielder’s way of leaving the BayArena this summer. But Die Werkself will demand at least €70m (£62m) for the four-cap international as he is under contract until 2027. Bayern Munich may also move to secure his signature, too.
Barcelona have now made early efforts to secure the transfer of Florian Wirtz
Barcelona chiefs are in unanimous agreement that Wirtz is a game-changing player with an exciting future. But they have asked his father to convince the Pulheim native to be patient and wait for them. The Blaugrana must raise cash this summer before making any signings.
The prospect of a move to Barcelona excites Wirtz, who returned from an anterior cruciate ligament injury in January. It had ruled the wonderkid out of action since last March when he twisted his ankle and knee against Koln. But the German is already displaying superb form.
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Bayer Leverkusen wonderkid Florian Wirtz is also on Newcastle United’s radar
Wirtz returned to Bundesliga action when the German top-flight season resumed following the World Cup and its winter break. He has since offered four assists through eight fixtures and started in four. He scored seven and created 10 in 24 games last term before the blow.
Bayer Leverkusen already seeing Wirtz get back amongst the goals has tempted Barcelona to target his transfer but he has also interested Newcastle. The Daily Mail has claimed that Eddie Howe is considering a swoop for the maestro when the sales re-open in the summer.
Newcastle have had an eye on Wirtz’s efforts with Bayer Leverkusen in view of his transfer for years. Bild reported back in October 2021 that the Toon were rivalling admiration from all around Europe. Bild also noted in March 2022 that Die Werkself would have sought £125m.
Along with Newcastle, Bild credited Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur with an interest in Wirtz. Now, Newcastle and Barcelona may go to war for a transfer with Bayer Leverkusen.
In other news, Paul Merson predicts Tottenham v Nottingham Forest as pressure mounts on Conte
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