Real Madrid open to launching audacious swap move to sign Florian Wirtz amid his Liverpool struggles: Reports

Real Madrid are open to a swap deal involving Liverpool’s summer signing Florian Wirtz and one of their players, according to reports.

Wirtz, who broke the British transfer record for the most expensive midfielder after joining Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in June, is yet to live up to his expectations at the Merseyside club. The German midfielder is yet to score his first goal for the Reds and has only three assists in 16 appearances across all competitions.

According to Defensa Central, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is interested in reuniting with Wirtz despite his poor run of form at Liverpool. The report claimed since the Reds have a long-standing interest in Rodrygo, Los Blancos are considering a swap deal involving the two players.

Rodrygo has seen his game time reduced in recent months. The Brazilian winger has been struggling for minutes since last season under former manager Carlo Ancelotti and has played just a bit-part role under new manager Alonso in the current campaign. While he has made 16 appearances for Real Madrid so far this season, he has mostly played as a substitute.

It is said that Madrid have had Wirtz on their radar for several months, and it is believed that the player would have joined them if they had made a suitable offer. Wirtz played under Alonso’s tutelage at Leverkusen, and the pair were part of the Leverkusen team that won a historic double in the 2023-24 campaign.

The abovementioned outlet added that they are keeping tabs on Writz, believing he will be a key addition to their midfield. However, a potential move is unlikely, as the English giants do not intend to sell him anytime soon.

Real Madrid star Rodrygo had rejected Liverpool move in the past

Before the latest development, Liverpool reportedly showed interest in signing Rodrygo in the summer, but nothing materialized, with reports suggesting they were unable to meet Real Madrid’s asking price. However, in 2017, Rodrygo turned down an opportunity to join the Merseysiders under then-manager Jurgen Klopp.

Fast forward to 2024, after he had joined Madrid, Rodrygo bluntly revealed he rejected a transfer to Liverpool, noting that he wasn’t interested in making the move.

"We didn’t close the deal because I didn’t want to. I wanted to stay at Santos even though the offer was very good. The pathway they promised me would also have been very good for my career. I was going to finish my studies in England to prepare for European football. It had always been my dream to play in Europe,” Rodrygo said. "Everything was very good, but my desire spoke louder. I wanted to stay at Santos and make a bit of history at the club. And that’s what happened: I was able to fulfil my dream of playing for Santos. But it’s true, I almost went to Liverpool."

Rodrygo joined Madrid from his childhood club Santos in 2019. To date, he has made over 250 appearances for the Whites across a trophy-laden six-year spell.

Edited by Ezekiel Olamide