Florian Wirtz told to learn from Kylian Mbappe's struggles and urged to snub Real Madrid & Man City transfer offers by Germany legend Lothar Matthaus

Wirtz is in demand after playing a starring role for Leverkusen and helping Xabi Alonso's side win the Bundesliga title last season. Both City and Madrid have been linked with the Germany international, although Leverkusen are hoping to extend his contract and keep him at the club.

Wirtz has been urged to stay put by Germany legend Lothar Matthaus and told to learn from Mbappe's struggles at Madrid. The France international made the move to the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer from Paris Saint-Germain but has yet to consistently impresses for Los Blancos and has come in for plenty of criticism for his performances.

Matthaus told Sky Sport Germany: "If I were Florian Wirtz, I would stay in Leverkusen until the 2026 World Cup. So if he were to extend his contract, that would make perfect sense to me. Making a big move always brings with it a lot of fuss that doesn't go unnoticed. At Bayer, Wirtz is in his familiar, protected environment and could prepare himself perfectly for the World Cup. At Real Madrid, Manchester City & Co. there is a different media world and the pressure is increasing, while at Bayer he is protected even when he is not playing so well. Kylian Mbappe is the best example, who as the king of Paris has somewhat faded away in Madrid over the last six months.

"In addition, Wirtz has a club in Leverkusen that is one of the top 10 in Europe and can beat any team. I think that the Bundesliga is often underplayed, especially in our country. It also has its appeal and there are now possibly three teams in the direct [Champions League] round of 16. The Bundesliga is stronger than it is often said to be and so Wirtz does not necessarily have to change in order to be able to play at a higher level."

Wirtz has six goals and four assists in 14 Bundesliga outings this season and will likely continue to attract admirers if he can maintain his form for Leverkusen. Alonso's side are back in action against Freiburg on Saturday in their final fixture of 2024 and will aim to finish the year on a high.