The next Galactico? Real Madrid readying transfer swoop for €150m-rated Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz – with timeline for deal being drawn up at Santiago Bernabeu

Spanish outlet Marca report that Real Madrid and Wirtz have a "pact" over a deal which would see the talented youngster remain at Bayer Leverkusen for one more season before the Blancos make a move in the summer of 2025. Personal terms are also said to have been agreed with the player.

Real Madrid celebrated a record-extending 15th European Cup win earlier this month, but are still looking to add some of the world's best players to their squad. Kylian Mbappe's arrival was confirmed last week, with the club continuing to plan for the future by looking to tie up a deal for one of Germany's best young players. Wirtz has also been linked with Bayern Munich in recent weeks.

One of the questions that immediately comes to mind in regards to Madrid's potential move for Wirtz would be where he would fit into their star-studded attacking line-up, given that Mbappe and Endrick are set to join the likes of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo this summer. The most likely scenario would see Bellingham moved back into a number eight position, allowing Wirtz to play behind the main striker.

Wirtz is now looking forward to a major international tournament on home soil, as he looks to play a key role in Germany's Euro 2024 campaign. If Madrid are waiting 12 months to move for him, that will then give Wirtz an opportunity to run it back with Bayer Leverkusen, who enjoyed a historically unbeaten domestic season on their way to a league and cup double.