Real Madrid target 'confirms summer destination' ahead of Bundesliga exit

Real Madrid look set to be frustrated in their first summer transfer quest after a fresh update from German outlet Bild.

Changes are expected for Los Blancos in the coming months starting with the impending departure of Carlo Ancelotti at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is the red-hot favourite to take charge at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu with the Bundesliga side confirming a clause in his contract to allow the former midfielder to join one of his old teams.

Alonso will step up talks from the end of May and he is reportedly already looking at potential transfer targets to bring to the Spanish capital.

Club president Florentino Perez will give Alonso a sizeable transfer budget to work with as he aims to bring the club back up to challenge for major honours in 2026.

One option for Alonso to bring with him from Leverkusen is Germany international Florian Wirtz with the 22-year-old expected to follow out of the BayArena this summer.

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Florian Wirtz's Bayer Leverkusen contract, transfer value, stats

Wirtz played a crucial role in Leverkusen's first-ever Bundesliga title - secured by Alonso in 2024 - with 18 goals scored across all competitions last season.

The creative midfielder has chased down those totals in 2024/25, with 16 goals, and 11 assists.

However, Real Madrid's chances of securing a deal for him have been dealt a blow, as per the above report - with Bayern Munich closing in on an agreement.

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With his current contract running until 2027, Leverkusen know this summer represents their best chance to securing a fee of around €100m [$115m] in what could be a record Bundesliga purchase.

Harry Kane's move to Bayern Munich last summer registered at €95m [$108] with Jude Bellingham and Ousmane Dembele's exits from Borussia Dortmund previously breaking the €100m [$115m] barrier.

Wirtz's father and advisor Hans has reportedly been in talks with the Bavarians since the start of 2025 and his son has indicated he will only leave Leverkusen for the Allianz Arena.

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