Florian Wirtz ‘dreaming of Barcelona’ transfer

Cameron Smith

• 21 Feb 2023 17:35 GMT
• 3 min read

Bayer Leverkusen wonderkid Florian Wirtz has admitted he "dreams of playing for Barcelona," but the Blaugrana are unable to finance a transfer this summer.

Barcelona's financial woes have been widely reported, with the Camp Nou club recently utilising the free transfer market in a bid to save costs.

They did, however, sign Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde and Raphinha for big money last summer. But, it's been reported by SPORT that despite Wirtz's desire to play for the club, Barcelona cannot afford a move for the midfielder in 2023.

READ: Barcelona must make €200m in order to play next season

In fact, the report details that Barcelona acknowledge they won't be able to make any significant signings this summer, unless they are purchased on a free transfer.

Those in power at Camp Nou believe that Wirtz is currently out of their price range and therefore unattainable this year.

However, the club are aware of Wirtz's love for the club and his desire to one day play for the Blaugrana.

EXCLUSIVE: Messi's priority is PSG renewal, not Barcelona return

The 19-year-old currently has a contract at Bayer Leverkusen that doesn't expire until 2027, meaning it will cost a fair price for any interested parties wanting to sign him this summer. For context, Leverkusen sold Kai Havertz to Chelsea for €80 million back in 2020.

Wirtz to Barcelona?

Back in 2021, Wirtz admitted his love for Barcelona, but revealed he is willing to bide his time before joining the Spanish giants. He said: “I always want to be the best. As a kid, I dreamt of playing for Barcelona. That has not changed, but it can wait."

Wirtz also told Sky Germany last year: “I actually had a few posters hanging in the room. Lionel Messi, Ousmane Dembele and Aubameyang, for example.

"My first jersey, however, was Messi’s Argentina jersey. When I was little, he was the best player. Nobody can play like him."

But, Barcelona will not be a landing destination for Wirtz just yet, with the Blaugrana needing to raise their funds if they're to mount a charge to sign the wonderkid.

Furthermore, Wirtz, 19, recently returned to action after a serious knee injury ruled him out almost the entirety of 2022. He made his comeback off the bench against Borussia Monchengladbach in late January, and is now working his way back to full fitness.

The young German starlet has now featured seven times in all competitions since returning from injury, with his only goal coming against AS Monaco in the Europa League. He has, however, provided three assists in just over 300 Bundesliga minutes.