Florian Wirtz is keen to join Bayern Munich next summer when he seals his expected departure from Bayer Leverkusen, a report has claimed.

21-year-old Wirtz emerged as Leverkusen’s next superstar following Kai Havertz’s departure to Chelsea in 2020 and wasted little time proving himself as one of German football’s next top stars.

Having played an integral role in Leverkusen’s shock Bundesliga title triumph last season, Wirtz is widely expected to make the next step in his career in 2025, and clubs from across Europe are gearing up for a transfer battle which is likely to break the €100m (£83.8m) mark.

Manchester City, Liverpool and Real Madrid have all been heavily linked with Wirtz, but Sky Sport Germany state it is Bayern who have the advantage of being his preferred destination.

The Germany international believes remaining in his homeland is the right move at this stage of his career, and Bayern are expected to offer him that chance at the end of the season.

Wirtz does have dreams of playing overseas and intends to do so later in his career but, as it stands, he wants his next move to be closer to home.

There have been no formal talks at this point, but Wirtz is believed to be Bayern’s top target for the 2025 summer transfer window, when they hope to unite him with international teammate Jamal Musiala.

Musiala’s contract expires in 2026 and there has been limited progress in talks over an extension, with most of Wirtz’s suitors also keen on landing his signature next summer.

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