Florian Wirtz likely to extend Bayer Leverkusen contract until 2028 with a release clause worth €125m valid in 2026

Sport Bild reports that Florian Wirtz will likely extend his contract at Bayer Leverkusen until 2028 with a release clause to be included.

Interested clubs across Europe are aware that Wirtz will play at least another season at Leverkusen as an agreement on a contract extension is likely to be reached soon.

With his contract extension, Wirtz will become the first player in the history of Leverkusen to earn a double-digit salary as he will receive a pay rise that will see him pass the €10m a year mark.

The release clause is the only sticking point. Wirtz’s parents, who represent him, want to have the clause as close to €100m as possible, whereas Leverkusen values the 21-year-old closer to €150m. It is expected that the release clause will be worth around €125m, as the two parties meet in the middle.

The release clause will then become active in 2026 after the World Cup as it is seen as then seen as the optimal time that Wirtz could move to a club like Real Madrid.

An extension of Wirtz will likely have a knock-on effect at Leverkusen. The 21-year-old’s new contract will give die Werkself an argument as to why head coach Xabi Alonso should extend his contract at the club beyond 2026, despite interest from Real Madrid.

GGFN | Jack Meenan