'PSG and Real Madrid are the only ones who can afford him' - Bayern Munich at risk of missing out on dream signing

Former Bayern Munich defender Markus Babbel chimed in on the Florian Wirtz transfer speculation and believes that the Bavarian giants won't be able to afford the Bayer Leverkusen man next summer. Wirtz's stock has risen significantly in the last two years after becoming an integral member of the German national team and firing Leverkusen to the double last season.

Wirtz is expected to be the biggest transfer of the 2025 summer transfer window, with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid both desperate to sign the 21-year-old attacking midfielder. Wirtz's contract with Bayer Leverkusen expires in 2027 and he is expected to be sold for at least €100 million next summer. Babbel, however, believes that his former employers are not in a position to afford the German international at the end of this campaign and instead urged them to wait for 2026 to make a move for the player.

"I don't think Bayern can bring him," Babbel said in an interview, as quoted by SportSport. "I think the overall transfer fee and salary package is huge for Bayern as well. Next summer only PSG and Real Madrid can afford him.

"I could imagine a scenario where Florian Wirtz stays at Leverkusen until the 2026 World Cup and then Bayern would certainly have a chance because then we are talking about a significantly low transfer of €80-90 million."

Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen also hinted that a transfer of the 21-year-old would only be possible if the overall option would be economically feasible for the Bundesliga giants.

With club football back following the international break, Wirtz will feature for Bayer Leverkusen in their upcoming Bundesliga fixture against Heidenheim on Saturday, November 23.