A 23 year old Pogba when we didn't even have CL football to offer?
Florian Wirtz | Leverkusen player
- Thread starter Invictus
- Start date
Our reputation had only started to suffer back then, we're fully in the deep now however.
We would have a non zero chance of signing him obviously but we wouldn't be the favourites by any means, probably won't the cash for it either.
The bolded part is probably true, and to be honest, I'd rather see us spend the money on other positions and keep Bruno around for another couple of years. At 21, he looks even slower than Bruno and easier to shrug off the ball.
It’s hard to be a world beater number 10 without great pace.
The greatest ones in history have normally shared this quality, Pele, Cruyff, Maradona even Zico was no slouch.
If you don’t have that type of pace then normally you have to supplement it with a incredible IQ I.e Platini, or extraordinary ball ability for example Zidane.
The greatest ones in history have normally shared this quality, Pele, Cruyff, Maradona even Zico was no slouch.
If you don’t have that type of pace then normally you have to supplement it with a incredible IQ I.e Platini, or extraordinary ball ability for example Zidane.
A few days ago, the Marca reported that Real Madrid has reached an agreement with Wirtz' camp over a transfer in 2025. Marca claims the sources are the same persons who claimed that Mbappe to Madrid was a done deal in Decembre when both parties still denied it. Apparently, Madrid is aware that Wirtz will cost €150m upwards and is willing to pay that price in a year's time. Meanwhile, Deco in his role as Barca's director of football seems to have made Wirtz his priority target for 2025 as well but the club lacks the necessary financial backing. Wirtz on the other hand is on record of saying that he was a Barca and especially Messi fan in his youth.
Original source: https://www.marca.com/futbol/real-madrid/2024/06/09/666409f0ca4741a1428b45c6.html
Original source: https://www.marca.com/futbol/real-madrid/2024/06/09/666409f0ca4741a1428b45c6.html
A lot can happen in a year. Davies seemed like a lock-in and now…not so much.
I do wonder how Wirtz will fit. Assuming we stick with the 4 midfielder setup next season:
Jude
Cama
Fede
Tchou
With Mbappe and Vini up top. Then you have Guler, Endrick and Rodrygo on the bench. Not sure how we’ll fit Wirtz into the team.
That midfield four lacks a bit in playmaking? All four are good passers but neither one is capable (yet?) of setting the tempo in midfield. I'd imagine that Madrid is going to need such player with Kroos (and, eventually, Modrić) gone — and Wirtz looks like a potentially great option.
I reply here in order not to get too offtopic
We both know I'm biased but I'm trying to be realistic with myself on this one because I don't want to end up too disappointed
Besides, I thoroughly dislike your club but Wirtz joining you would put my antipathy to the test because I don't want to miss out on his career. That's how good he is, IMO.Anyway, I still don't believe he'll join you. The stars would need to align for that to happen and depending how the current season will develop, it might be possible but still very unlikely.
The thing is, you'd need to pulverize your record fee for a domestic transfer which in itself is already unlikely. But you would also need to do that amidst a very expensive transition for a player you don't really need since you already have Musiala, Olise and Wanner as future prospects on his position and will probably attempt to sign Simons as well. What makes it even unlikelier: It's pretty much common knowledge that Wirtz wants to play outside of Germany one day. He's on record calling himself a Barca fan in his youth, it has been reported that he adores Guardiola's football and idolizes Messi and even in the hottest stage of the Bayern rumpur, Plettenberg and Sky mentioned that Wirtz would only see Bayern as step inbetween. That alone wouldn't rule out your interest in him but it definitely affects the price you're willing to pay because your modus operandi consists of paying high salaries and low depreciations on player licenses. And then there's also our principal reluctance to sell to you that is everything but officially confirmed and won't have improved after the Tah/Eberl/Carro incidence.
It also seems as if Wirtz' camp has some sort of checklist before they want to go abroad that consists of playing UCL, playing for Germany, playing for titles, etc. before they go abroad. There have already been reports on how our unexpected title winning season could have eliminated the added value of moving to Bayern before making the big step into another country especially since the factor Alonso could make Madrid a saver bet for his career than Bayern itself.
Which leads me to Madrid. Whether or not they have a spot for him, the rumours seem far too concrete for them not being interested at all. But I actually do think they need him. First, Alonso likes to play 5 attack minded players. The most defense we have been under him was with Grimaldo and Frimpong on the wings, the most attack minded with Adli and Tella - two forwards. But Madrid also lacks a creative passer on his level. The only players in their squad that fit this profile are Güler and Diaz who are nowhere near Wirtz' level as of now and are also much more direct. The reports that they see a need to bring in quality in terms of passing and movement between the lined after Kroos' departure and Modric' aging make total sense to me. Neither Tchouameni, Camavinga, Bellingham, Valverde, Rodrygo, Vinicius, Mbappe nor Endrick can provide that.
As said, I still wouldn't rule you out but I definitely don't see you in the pole position. Much will depend on how the season will develop as well - the better Wirtz plays and we do in the UCL, the harder it will get for you. And it will also matter how well your new players settle in, which players you can offload and how Gnabry, Sané and Coman perform. Another season like the last two and you'll probably can't afford luxury player in the summer because you have to solve more pressing urges. It willnalso make Wirtz' camp think twice if you burn through another manager for indtance. Freak transfers, on the other hand, could make it happen, like Musiala leaving for a record fee or something like that. But all in all, I see Real and probably City as well ahead of you.
City could do with him as a KdB replacement but I’m not sure Guardiola will be there for more then another 2-3 years, which could effect the players choice. There’s also the outcome of the 115 charges which could also significantly impact city. Maybe he does go where Alonso goes next - seemingly Madrid? Maybe they sell Rodrygo to raise the cash (& open up a spot in attack - or even drop Jude deeper, which I doubt). Barca can’t afford him and they just got in Olmo, I guess.I reply here in order not to get too offtopic
We both know I'm biased but I'm trying to be realistic with myself on this one because I don't want to end up too disappointed
Anyway, I still don't believe he'll join you. The stars would need to align for that to happen and depending how the current season will develop, it might be possible but still very unlikely.
The thing is, you'd need to pulverize your record fee for a domestic transfer which in itself is already unlikely. But you would also need to do that amidst a very expensive transition for a player you don't really need since you already have Musiala, Olise and Wanner as future prospects on his position and will probably attempt to sign Simons as well. What makes it even unlikelier: It's pretty much common knowledge that Wirtz wants to play outside of Germany one day. He's on record calling himself a Barca fan in his youth, it has been reported that he adores Guardiola's football and idolizes Messi and even in the hottest stage of the Bayern rumpur, Plettenberg and Sky mentioned that Wirtz would only see Bayern as step inbetween. That alone wouldn't rule out your interest in him but it definitely affects the price you're willing to pay because your modus operandi consists of paying high salaries and low depreciations on player licenses. And then there's also our principal reluctance to sell to you that is everything but officially confirmed and won't have improved after the Tah/Eberl/Carro incidence.
It also seems as if Wirtz' camp has some sort of checklist before they want to go abroad that consists of playing UCL, playing for Germany, playing for titles, etc. before they go abroad. There have already been reports on how our unexpected title winning season could have eliminated the added value of moving to Bayern before making the big step into another country especially since the factor Alonso could make Madrid a saver bet for his career than Bayern itself.
Which leads me to Madrid. Whether or not they have a spot for him, the rumours seem far too concrete for them not being interested at all. But I actually do think they need him. First, Alonso likes to play 5 attack minded players. The most defense we have been under him was with Grimaldo and Frimpong on the wings, the most attack minded with Adli and Tella - two forwards. But Madrid also lacks a creative passer on his level. The only players in their squad that fit this profile are Güler and Diaz who are nowhere near Wirtz' level as of now and are also much more direct. The reports that they see a need to bring in quality in terms of passing and movement between the lined after Kroos' departure and Modric' aging make total sense to me. Neither Tchouameni, Camavinga, Bellingham, Valverde, Rodrygo, Vinicius, Mbappe nor Endrick can provide that.
As said, I still wouldn't rule you out but I definitely don't see you in the pole position. Much will depend on how the season will develop as well - the better Wirtz plays and we do in the UCL, the harder it will get for you. And it will also matter how well your new players settle in, which players you can offload and how Gnabry, Sané and Coman perform. Another season like the last two and you'll probably can't afford luxury player in the summer because you have to solve more pressing urges. It willnalso make Wirtz' camp think twice if you burn through another manager for indtance. Freak transfers, on the other hand, could make it happen, like Musiala leaving for a record fee or something like that. But all in all, I see Real and probably City as well ahead of you.
@Zehner Wirtz will marry Musiala and they will live happily ever after in Munich.
For a gay couple in Germany, Cologne (and its neighbouring cities) is the best place to live
Deffo has a flavour of iniesta. Would love him.
Damn!For a gay couple in Germany, Cologne (and its neighbouring cities) is the best place to live
Get in line, we're trying to set him up with Musiala!
Real will snapp him and Alonso up, Bayern will only watch that happen. Wirtz is ready for top top level. What a player he is, just love to watch him play.I reply here in order not to get too offtopic
We both know I'm biased but I'm trying to be realistic with myself on this one because I don't want to end up too disappointed
Anyway, I still don't believe he'll join you. The stars would need to align for that to happen and depending how the current season will develop, it might be possible but still very unlikely.
The thing is, you'd need to pulverize your record fee for a domestic transfer which in itself is already unlikely. But you would also need to do that amidst a very expensive transition for a player you don't really need since you already have Musiala, Olise and Wanner as future prospects on his position and will probably attempt to sign Simons as well. What makes it even unlikelier: It's pretty much common knowledge that Wirtz wants to play outside of Germany one day. He's on record calling himself a Barca fan in his youth, it has been reported that he adores Guardiola's football and idolizes Messi and even in the hottest stage of the Bayern rumpur, Plettenberg and Sky mentioned that Wirtz would only see Bayern as step inbetween. That alone wouldn't rule out your interest in him but it definitely affects the price you're willing to pay because your modus operandi consists of paying high salaries and low depreciations on player licenses. And then there's also our principal reluctance to sell to you that is everything but officially confirmed and won't have improved after the Tah/Eberl/Carro incidence.
It also seems as if Wirtz' camp has some sort of checklist before they want to go abroad that consists of playing UCL, playing for Germany, playing for titles, etc. before they go abroad. There have already been reports on how our unexpected title winning season could have eliminated the added value of moving to Bayern before making the big step into another country especially since the factor Alonso could make Madrid a saver bet for his career than Bayern itself.
Which leads me to Madrid. Whether or not they have a spot for him, the rumours seem far too concrete for them not being interested at all. But I actually do think they need him. First, Alonso likes to play 5 attack minded players. The most defense we have been under him was with Grimaldo and Frimpong on the wings, the most attack minded with Adli and Tella - two forwards. But Madrid also lacks a creative passer on his level. The only players in their squad that fit this profile are Güler and Diaz who are nowhere near Wirtz' level as of now and are also much more direct. The reports that they see a need to bring in quality in terms of passing and movement between the lined after Kroos' departure and Modric' aging make total sense to me. Neither Tchouameni, Camavinga, Bellingham, Valverde, Rodrygo, Vinicius, Mbappe nor Endrick can provide that.
As said, I still wouldn't rule you out but I definitely don't see you in the pole position. Much will depend on how the season will develop as well - the better Wirtz plays and we do in the UCL, the harder it will get for you. And it will also matter how well your new players settle in, which players you can offload and how Gnabry, Sané and Coman perform. Another season like the last two and you'll probably can't afford luxury player in the summer because you have to solve more pressing urges. It willnalso make Wirtz' camp think twice if you burn through another manager for indtance. Freak transfers, on the other hand, could make it happen, like Musiala leaving for a record fee or something like that. But all in all, I see Real and probably City as well ahead of you.
If he does go Real you’d expect that means the end for Guler there who we should be all over as a long-term Bruno replacement.
Freddy Mercury would disagreeFor a gay couple in Germany, Cologne (and its neighbouring cities) is the best place to live
You "forgot" to quote his following sentence: "Nobody believes that"
Papperlapapp!
It's not a lie, if you believe it.
We should go all in on either Wirtz or Musiala next season, Bruno will turn 31 next season and Mounts injuries are very worrying to say at least - and yes I know and understand that the chance of us signing either of them is about 1% but we should at least give it a chance. Bayern seem to have their focus on Xavi Simmons and Musiala is yet to sign a new contract (and we can at least offer much more money then Bayern to start with).
Zirkzee should be put on a mission to convince Musiala to join us ! They are very close friends, always a start for us dreamers.
And Real Madrid can´t sign them all, they already have a stacked offense and Bellingham playing in the position Wirtz or Musiala would play if they were to join them. The biggest rival for us, if we really try next summer would probably be city, psg, chelsea, Liverpool and maybe Arsenal.
Dream scenario would be Musiala/Wirtz joining us, the other one to Real Madrid and Simmons to Bayern. But it will probably end up with Musiala to City, Wirtz to Real Madrid and Simmons to Bayern...
Zirkzee should be put on a mission to convince Musiala to join us ! They are very close friends, always a start for us dreamers.
And Real Madrid can´t sign them all, they already have a stacked offense and Bellingham playing in the position Wirtz or Musiala would play if they were to join them. The biggest rival for us, if we really try next summer would probably be city, psg, chelsea, Liverpool and maybe Arsenal.
Dream scenario would be Musiala/Wirtz joining us, the other one to Real Madrid and Simmons to Bayern. But it will probably end up with Musiala to City, Wirtz to Real Madrid and Simmons to Bayern...
Or, you know, we just extend Musiala.
City needs to replace De Bruyne, they'll go all out on Wirtz. Musiala will extend & stay with Bayern.
Read some tweets recently that City is trying to sign both of them in 2025.
Still believe Wirtz is Madrid bound, though. What bothers me more is that there are quite a few reports that both them and City are eyeing a winter transfer. If that's the case, I hope it is simply to ensure his signature for the summer window and not to get him immediately.
Ralf recommended Luis Diaz/Wirtz/Alvarez/Haaland/Touchameni when they were easily gettable for less than 30M except Haaland.
I wish we listened to him to be honest.
I wish we listened to him to be honest.
I really don't think so, take a look at their wage bill + Kane is getting paid more than anyone in the PL.
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I'm always amazed that the myth that Bayern doesn't pay competitive wages persists here in the forum.
He'll be eaten alive if he goes there. Real Madrid are merciless when it comes to attacking players.
Man City (if Pep is still the manager) is a much, much better choice.
We’re rarely active in the winter period. No way will we try to sign him and actually transfer him during that time.
I don't think he will be eaten alive anywhere, especially not when he goes to a place where Alonso is. Wirtz is exceptional, IMO far better than Bellingham and Madrid almost built him a shrine after his first season.
Hope so
Wouldn't mind you securing his signature in the winter for the upcoming summer though. Not only would that mean he's not going to Munich, we'd also have much less media distraction to deal with.It is so weird. As if we somehow manage to get all these great players and pay them with love and hugs.
Musiala Wirtz and Simmons all play to the middle, they do not have the elite pace to play on the wings
At the end, I see Musiala staying in Munich, Simmons going back to PSG and Wirtz going to replace KdB
At the end, I see Musiala staying in Munich, Simmons going back to PSG and Wirtz going to replace KdB
I also just don’t think he fits. They already have Jude and Arda as attack minded midfielders and then the 3 forwards ahead of them.
I’d love Wirtz here, but wouldn’t surprise me if City make him the KDB heir.
In fact you largely overpaid players in recent years hence the shedding of some this summer.
Classic English thing I think, no one really pays attention to what wages players are on outside of the PL
Why would he come to us?
Perfect successor to Bruno. Would swap in a heartbeat
Just scored 4 minutes into his UCL debut
Just scored 4 minutes into his UCL debut
I want him to become a household name in years to come, good for him...you've just scored again, I'm a lucky charm it seemsThe second goal was Grimaldo, flash score also thought it was Wirtz though