You have a player that I need and I have a player that you need, why don’t we have a swap deal” – This is according to Xabi Alonso as Liverpool have reportedly discovered the fee Real Madrid are preparing to offer for Florian Wirtz, while Spanish outlets also claim that Xabi Alonso has made a significant ‘promise’ related to the player.

Spanish reports claim that Real Madrid have assured Xabi Alonso they will make an effort to sign Florian Wirtz from Liverpool in the summer of 2026 if the circumstances allow it. TEAMtalk has also explored whether Arne Slot or sporting director Richard Hughes would entertain the idea of letting the German playmaker go.

Wirtz, who previously worked under Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, has struggled to make a major impact at Anfield this season. Apart from a Champions League outing against Eintracht Frankfurt in October, where he produced two assists, he has yet to live up to the huge £116m (€132m/$153.3m) fee Liverpool paid for him in 2025.

Slot is still trying to integrate the 22-year-old into his tactical setup, and while Wirtz is putting in the effort, the numbers paint a disappointing picture so far.

Rumours in Spain have already linked Real Madrid with a move for Wirtz, with Defensa Central reporting on October 16 that Alonso had instructed the club to closely track the midfielder’s situation at Liverpool. Emmanuel Petit has also suggested that Wirtz is destined for the Bernabéu.

Defensa Central has since published an update, stating that although Madrid view signing Wirtz from Liverpool as “almost impossible,” they have made a commitment to Alonso: if the player becomes available at a sensible price, they will attempt to fulfil his request.

Madrid are said to be monitoring Wirtz in case Liverpool decide to offload him next year, but the Spanish giants are unwilling to go above €75m (£66.3m/$87.2m). The report suggests Alonso wants more creativity in midfield, which is why he sees Wirtz as an ideal addition.

Would Liverpool really sell Wirtz?

For now, neither Marca nor AS—usually reliable when it comes to Madrid transfers—have echoed the claims about Alonso pushing for Wirtz. However, Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro hinted recently that Alonso once wanted Real Madrid to sign the midfielder, though his influence at the club was limited.

Carro told Sport1: “He probably would have gone to Madrid if Xabi had pushed for it. But Xabi doesn’t have the same authority there as he did with us.”

Given their past working relationship, it would not be surprising if Alonso were keeping an eye on Wirtz’s development and hoping to work with him again.

Even though Arda Güler has flourished under Alonso, Madrid have never shied away from making another marquee signing, even if it means stacking players in similar roles.

However, Liverpool’s hierarchy appear firmly committed to Wirtz. TEAMtalk’s Dean Jones reported on October 4 that the club remain fully behind him and are determined not to put pressure on the young midfielder. Slot is said to be managing the situation carefully to avoid damaging the player’s confidence as they continue figuring out where he fits best.

Wirtz’s intelligence, speed of thought, and technical quality remain highly rated inside the club, and Liverpool believe unlocking his potential will significantly strengthen the team.

Journalist Graeme Bailey has also dismissed any talk of Liverpool considering a sale, telling Rousing The Kop on October 26 that the club are “completely shut down” to speculation about Wirtz’s future and remain convinced he will eventually shine.

Elsewhere in Madrid news

– Chelsea are preparing a move for one of Madrid’s Brazilian players, despite the player having a January agreement with another club.

– Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly given Vinícius Júnior career advice as Manchester City enter the race for the forward.

– Spanish outlets have also assessed the likelihood of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi joining Madrid on a free transfer next summer.