Leverkusen eye €30m move for Wirtz replacement

Sport Bild reports that a clear favorite has emerged to replace Florian Wirtz at Bayer Leverkusen, with the asking price estimated at around €30 million.

With Florian Wirtz close to joining Liverpool, Bayer Leverkusen now face the challenging task of replacing the 22-year-old playmaker.

According to Sport Bild, Nico Paz has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Wirtz at the BayArena.

Paz broke through professionally last season with Serie A side Como, impressing under head coach Cesc Fàbregas by registering six goals and nine assists in 35 appearances.

However, his future does not lie with Como, with Real Madrid reportedly set to activate their €8 million buy-back clause and include him in their squad for the Club World Cup in the United States.

Following that, a move to Leverkusen could be on the horizon for the Argentine attacking midfielder. 

Sport Bild reports that Real Madrid would be willing to let him go for around €30 million, though Leverkusen would likely need to accept a buy-back clause as part of the deal.

At 20, Paz is eager for regular playing time to continue his development – something he is more likely to find at Leverkusen than at Real Madrid.