Bayer Leverkusen Boss Delivers Shocking Wirtz-Real Madrid Revelation

Bayer Leverkusen's chief executive Fernando Carro disclosed that Florian Wirtz would have preferred Real Madrid over Liverpool had the Spanish club made an approach.

Wirtz, who was instrumental in Bayer Leverkusen's historic first Bundesliga championship in 2023–24, decided to depart the club during the summer transfer window to join Liverpool in a transaction valued at up to €136.3 million (£116.1 million, $157.8 million), establishing a new British transfer milestone at the time.

However, Carro maintains the transfer would never have materialized if his former coach Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid had presented a formal proposal for Wirtz.

"[Wirtz] is an individual who aspires to capture the Champions League," Carro stated on SPORT1's Dopplepass. "He recognized that we had secured the Bundesliga championship, but achieving Champions League success with Bayer Leverkusen could prove more challenging.

"He certainly would have moved to Madrid if Xabi had extended the invitation. However, Xabi possesses less influence at Madrid compared to his authority with us."

Rather than pursuing any of Alonso's previous Bayer Leverkusen squad members, Real Madrid acquired Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Álvaro Carreras and Franco Mastantuono as they chase their 16th Champions League trophy under their former player's guidance.

Wirtz, on the other hand, joined the reigning English champions alongside former Bayer Leverkusen colleague Jeremie Frimpong.

Wirtz Preparing for Inaugural Career Meeting Against Real Madrid

The timing of Carro's revelation aligns with Liverpool and Real Madrid's eagerly awaited Champions League encounter on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

For the inaugural time in his professional journey, Wirtz will compete against the organization he reportedly preferred to join over the team he will represent at Anfield. The German national team player will aim to deliver an impressive display following a sluggish beginning in Liverpool colors.

Across 14 matches, Wirtz has failed to find the net for Liverpool. The midfielder has managed only three assists since his move, with two coming during a 5–1 victory against Frankfurt.

Arne Slot even relegated his marquee summer acquisition to bench roles in high-profile encounters versus Chelsea, Manchester United and Aston Villa. The Reds secured victory only in the final match, ending a four-game losing run in the Premier League.

Focus will center on Wirtz's showing when he meets the Spanish powerhouse in what promises to be among the most significant fixtures of the Champions League group stage.