A Stunning Development Leaves Barcelona Reeling! Deco delivers unexpected news to Hansi Flick, bluntly telling him: “Forget about this player.” Deco was the first to find out that the player will no longer be joining Barcelona, as he is already in talks with their fiercest rivals, Real Madrid!

According to a report by the Spanish outlet El Nacional, Barcelona’s sporting director Deco has come to terms with the reality that one of the club’s main transfer targets is slipping away.

The player in question, who was previously high on Barcelona’s wishlist to reinforce their squad, is now likely out of reach as he has already started engaging with other top European clubs. Notably, Real Madrid is among the interested parties and is seriously contemplating securing his signature in the upcoming summer transfer window, despite the financial demands of the deal.

The player in focus is none other than Florian Wirtz, the talented German midfielder from Bayer Leverkusen. Wirtz was a recommendation made by new Barcelona coach Hansi Flick upon his arrival at Camp Nou, having personally suggested the youngster to club president Joan Laporta.

While a transfer last summer seemed far-fetched due to Wirtz’s high market value and reluctance to leave Leverkusen, the scenario has now changed dramatically.

Though Leverkusen is still demanding a hefty fee—reportedly no less than €100 million—Wirtz himself is now open to a move. He is believed to be seeking a more ambitious and competitive environment as he aims to take the next step in his career.

Wirtz has previously spoken fondly of Barcelona, stating his admiration for the club and naming Lionel Messi as his football idol. He even expressed a desire to play at Camp Nou one day.

However, competition within the current Barcelona squad may hinder that possibility. The team already boasts a wealth of midfield talent, including the likes of Pedri, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Fermín López, and Pablo Torre, making it challenging for Wirtz to secure regular minutes.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid appears increasingly confident in their pursuit of Wirtz. The club envisions him forming a formidable midfield partnership with Jude Bellingham and potentially serving as Luka Modrić’s long-term successor. A key factor working in Madrid’s favor could be the expected appointment of Xabi Alonso, Wirtz’s current coach at Bayer Leverkusen, as Real Madrid’s new manager.

Wirtz is reportedly eager to continue working under Alonso, who has significantly contributed to his growth and emergence as a top-tier footballer. With Florentino Pérez reportedly planning to part ways with Carlo Ancelotti, the stage may be set for Wirtz’s move to the Santiago Bernabéu.