'Probably the best midfielder in the world and I could see him at Real Madrid' - Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz showered with praise and tipped for big transfer

Former Bayer Leverkusen and Germany striker Patrick Helmes has hailed Florian Wirtz as the best midfielder in the world following his emphatic display in the Champions League game against RB Salzburg earlier this week, and has predicted him to join Spanish champions Real Madrid next summer. Helmes also stated that Wirtz is a better player than Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala.

Wirtz has been sensational since joining Bayer Leverkusen in 2020, and has rubber-stamped his credentials as one of the best young players in the world in the past year and a half. This season, he has already scored five times for the reigning Bundesliga champions in the Champions League.

The 21-year-old is heavily linked to a move to one of the big clubs next summer, with Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City all in pursuit for the German international's signature in 2025.

It was reported earlier in the week that Leverkusen are planning to extend Wirtz's contract, which expires in 2027, by at least one more year in order to ensure they get the right price for their coveted youngster. However, Helmes believes that Wirtz is ready to take the next step in his career and would love to see him at Real Madrid.

"I was in the stadium for the Champions League match against Salzburg. What Florian Wirtz can do is absolutely exceptional for me. Probably the best midfielder in the world," Helmes said on ntv (h/t Spox).

"I think that Wirtz has something different that Jamal Musiala isn't quite ready for yet. I think Wirtz will simply move on in the summer. He has left huge shoes to fill in Leverkusen. With the way he plays football, he is an absolute hero there, the best player in the squad.

"I can imagine that he will go to Spain and go to Real Madrid. That would be something where I would say, 'Yes, he could do that now'."

Wirtz will be buoyed by his performance in mid-week as he scored two goals and made one assist in Leverkusen's 5-0 rout of Salzburg in the Champions League. He will be hoping to carry that form into his team's next fixture, which is scheduled to be played on Union Berlin on Saturday, November 30.