Yahoo Sport 
Florian Wirtz's father speaks out on transfer rumours amid Liverpool links
Florian Wirtz's father has played down the rumours circulating about his son's potential move away from Bayer Leverkusen, insisting that any transfer talk this summer is premature.
The 21-year-old is currently part of Germany's squad at Euro 2024, scoring against Scotland in their opening match. Wirtz was a crucial player in Leverkusen's unbeaten title-winning campaign, notching up an impressive 18 goals and contributing 20 assists across all competitions.
Despite the swirling speculation linking Wirtz to Real Madrid and Liverpool, as well as domestic heavyweight Bayern Munich, Leverkusen is expected to resist any temptation ahead of their Champions League campaign. Wirtz is contracted until 2027.
READ MORE: Liverpool's nightmare scenario could be about to unfold because of new Champions League format
READ MORE: 'We want to leave' - Liverpool 'target's' agent and father drop bombshell transfer request
Leverkusen could potentially command a fee in excess of £100million. Regardless, Wirtz's father, Hans, only focused on the facts of his son's situation when speaking with Bild.
"Florian has a contract in Leverkusen," he said. "He's looking forward to next year at Bayer 04 when he can play in the Champions League with Leverkusen for the first time.
"Those are the facts. Now the focus is on the Euros. After that there's a lot to do with the club next season, so there's no need for speculation. There's really nothing to say beyond that."
Liverpool's pursuit of Wirtz appears unlikely to advance in the near future, with reports suggesting the Reds are prioritising other areas in Arne Slot's initial transfer window as manager. Speculation suggests that Wirtz will stay at the BayArena for at least another season to further his development.
Spanish reports indicate a verbal agreement is in place for the Leverkusen star to move to Real Madrid in 12 months. Simon Rolfes, the club's managing director, is confident that Wirtz will remain with them.
"He will stay," the Leverkusen boss stated in May. "His father and agent have said it before. He has a contract here and he's really happy. This is the right place for him to develop as a player and person. His future is bright, that's for sure.
"He is such a good player and shows a great will to win and to work. It's not normally the attributes of a number 10 but he combines talent with the work rate of a six or a defensive player along with producing special magic moments."
However, former Liverpool star Vladimir Smicer believes that Wirtz should be a top target for Liverpool this summer. "If I could urge Liverpool to sign anyone this summer it would be Florian Wirtz, who is a player that reminds me of Phillipe Coutinho," he told OLBG.
"Liverpool fans love that type of player. Bobby Firmino was another player who was very popular, so I'd go with Wirtz. I met Arne Slot when Slavia Prague played Feyenoord twice so I saw his work.
"His system and his mentality is all about being calm. He's really good. His team knows exactly how he wants to play and I hope he can bring that to Liverpool."
