Florian Wirtz's staggering €250 million cost revealed as Bayern Munich press ahead with plan to sign Bayer Leverkusen star amid interest from Man City and Real Madrid

Amidst competition from Manchester City and Real Madrid, Bayern Munich are preparing an ambitious move for Florian Wirtz worth €250 million (£210m/$280m), with the club's hierarchy strongly backing a potential transfer in 2025, according to a report from Sport BILD. Wirtz has been heavily linked with a move away from the BayArena, although he has a contract extension offer from Leverkusen beyond 2027, including a €125 million release clause starting in 2026. If he doesn’t renew, Leverkusen are reportedly open to selling him this summer for no less than €150 million.

Bayern face competition from Real Madrid and City, but honorary president Uli Hoeness is personally involved, maintaining close contact with Wirtz’s father, Hans, to ensure that Wirtz joins them. He is joined by Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, a member of the supervisory board, and club president Herbert Hainer, forming a powerful trio capable of facilitating a deal estimated at €250 million, including wages.

More importantly, Thomas Muller’s departure at the end of the season will free up significant room in the wage bill. The 35-year-old veteran earns a reported €17 million annually — funds that could be redirected toward Wirtz’s salary, which would total around €85 million (£73m/$95m) over a proposed five-year contract.

Beyond his on-field qualities, Bayern view Wirtz as a marketing asset. Like Muller, he is backed by Adidas — a Bayern shareholder — and is seen as part of a future star duo alongside Jamal Musiala, potentially replicating their visibility from Euro 2024.

While there's no telling which way Wirtz's future is headed, he will be hoping to help Leverkusen defend their Bundesliga title if this is indeed his final season with Die Werkself. Xabi Alonso's men are currently six points behind league leaders Bayern Munich with just five games to go. They will face St. Pauli on Saturday, April 19.