How the pandemic took Wirtz away from Real Madrid

Florian Wirtz belongs to the select group of the most expensive transfers in world football. The $148 million that his deal could reach if all variables are met briefly made him the most expensive signing in Premier League history—until his now-teammate Isak arrived, with reports confirming a $162 million move from Newcastle to Anfield.

Today, against Real Madrid, the German will aim to achieve something he has yet to manage in his new colours: scoring a goal in an official match. More than that, though, he wants to win over his fans.

Fourteen games, no goals, three assists, and a place in the starting eleven under scrutiny, that’s his record so far. But if there’s one opponent that motivates the attacking midfielder, it’s the team he could have joined. Fernando Carro, CEO of Wirtz’s former club, recently admitted that had Real Madrid pursued him last summer, things might have turned out very differently.

Madrid’s interest in Wirtz dates back years. He was a sensation straight out of Leverkusen’s youth academy, and Juni Calafat’s ever-efficient scouting department quickly had him on their radar. “Pure talent,” read the report from those who travelled to Germany to watch him play. The next step was to contact his entourage—a footballer delighted by the thought of wearing white. Mission accomplished. It was the winter of 2020.

Everything was in motion until the pandemic froze the world and postponed the meeting that was set to take place between Real Madrid and Leverkusen to finalise the transfer of the then 18-year-old prodigy. The period of reflection and financial restraint brought on by the pandemic effectively closed the door on new signings at the Bernabéu, halting Wirtz’s path to Madrid.

Now at Liverpool, the German is finding it harder than expected to make his mark. A serious injury sidelined him for months, but he has since put that behind him.

Interestingly, another player once followed by Real Madrid, now also in red, has managed to overcome similar obstacles: Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch. Back when he played for Ajax, Madrid’s scouts had him on their list, but his move never materialised in the summer of 2021 due to concerns about his fit with Madrid’s tactical style.

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He later joined Bayern Munich in 2022 but struggled to adapt, something he has now done seamlessly at Liverpool under Arne Slot.

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