Real Madrid and Manchester City suffer major blow in race to sign 21-year-old Bundesliga ace: Reports

Real Madrid and Manchester City have suffered a major transfer blow as Florian Wirtz is reportedly set to stay at Bayer Leverkusen for at least one more season. The Bundesliga champions are ready to extend the 21-year-old's contract, as per Kicker. Apart from the two clubs, Bayern Munich also had an eye on the young German star.

Florian Wirtz gained the attention of several top European clubs with his performance last season. He emerged as a crucial part of Xabi Alonso's Bundesliga-winning Bayer Leverkusen. Writz bagged 18 goals and 20 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions for Leverkusen.

The 21-year-old maintained his form in the 2024 European Championships, scoring twice in five matches. Florian Wirtz also scored Germany's only goal during their 2-1 loss to Spain in extra time in the Euro quarter-finals. The German midfielder has played 24 matches this season, bagging 11 goals and five assists across all competitions.

Pep Guardiola's Manchester City see Florian Wirtz as the long-term replacement for Belgian midfielder Kevin de Bruyne. Meanwhile, the 21-year-old is on Real Madrid's radar due to Toni Kroos' retirement and Luka Modric's potential exit from Santiago Bernabeu next summer.

However, according to the aforementioned report, the German midfielder has already agreed to a contract with Bayer Leverkusen for the next season. Leverkusen are currently second in the league table with 29 points after 14 matches.

Erling Haaland to leave Manchester City for Real Madrid next summer due to team's current form: Reports

Manchester City FC v Manchester United FC - Premier League - Source: Getty

Norwegian forward Erling Haaland can reportedly leave Manchester City to join Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid next summer, as per Defensa Central. Haaland joined City from Borussia Dortmund in July 2022 for a reported £51 million.

Since joining the Premier League giants, the 24-year-old has broken multiple records, winning two league titles and the UEFA Champions League. Playing for Manchester City, the Norwegian forward has scored 108 goals in 121 appearances.

However, the 24-year-old could leave the club next summer due to the team's current form. Pep Guardiola's side have won only one of their last ten matches across all competitions.

Real Madrid signed French attacker Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on a free transfer earlier this year. However, as per the aforementioned report, Los Blancos might opt for another attacker in the next summer transfer window.