Wirtz agent reveals Real Madrid desire after record Liverpool transfer
Leading football agent Volker Struth has revealed he attempted to engineer a move for Florian Wirtz to Real Madrid before the midfielder joined Liverpool in a British record transfer.
Failed Bernabeu talks
The 22-year-old moved to Anfield from Bayer Leverkusen last summer in a deal worth £116m.
However, Struth has admitted he initially planned for the German international to join Real Madrid alongside outgoing Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso.
The intermediary contacted Real president Florentino Perez directly to recommend the transfer.
“During the period when a move to Liverpool or Bayern was being discussed, I called Xabi Alonso and told him: ‘You have to take the lad from Leverkusen with you to Real.'”
Volker Struth, speaking to Phrasenmaher
Alonso advised Struth to contact Perez, prompting a direct message from the agent.
Financial constraints
Despite the recommendation, the Spanish giants declined the opportunity due to budget restrictions and squad priorities.
Real Madrid focused their resources on defensive reinforcements, signing Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras.
“That year, it simply wasn’t the right time due to the squad and the budget. Even Real Madrid’s coffers aren’t always overflowing.”
While the playmaker is now establishing himself on Merseyside, Struth confessed his long-term ambitions for the player remain unchanged.
He stated that his “wish remains” for the former Bundesliga star to play at the Bernabeu one day.
Slot provides injury update
Wirtz has begun to find form for Arne Slot’s side, registering six goals and three assists in his last 14 appearances.
However, he was absent from the squad for Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest after sustaining a knock in the warm-up.
The Liverpool manager confirmed the omission was a precautionary measure regarding a back issue.
“We don’t think it is very serious. He felt his back too much during the warm-up to start.”
Arne Slot, Liverpool manager