UEFA Champions League
Florian Wirtz's season in England has reopened an internal debate at Real Madrid, although not in the direction many anticipated. The club considers Florentino Pérez's decision to reject his signing when Xabi Alonso requested it last summer to be correct, a move that is now seen as strategic and coherent with the sports planning.
The failed signing of Florian Wirtz and Xabi Alonso's vision
When Xabi Alonso took over at Real Madrid, he had clear ideas about reinforcements for the squad, with one of his priorities being Florian Wirtz, whom he had coached at Bayer Leverkusen. The coach trusted him for his creativity and because he was instrumental in the historic Bundesliga victory by the German club. However, the leadership at Chamartín believed that the attacking midfielder role was already filled by established players and promising young talents.
Faced with this scenario, Real Madrid chose not to engage in a high bidding war. In the end, it was Liverpool who made a strong move, spending 100 million with the aim of making the German their new offensive focal point. The English team expected an immediate impact, but the results have fallen short of expectations.
Florian Wirtz and a disappointing debut in the Premier League
Florian Wirtz's performance at Anfield has been surprisingly negative. He has only managed three assists and is still goalless, a particularly striking statistic for a player expected to lead Liverpool's offensive playmaking. Additionally, he holds an alarming record: he is the Premier League player with the worst performance in terms of created goal opportunities, highlighting his disconnection from the pace and demands of the championship.
Liverpool itself is going through a critical phase. Arne Slot's project is in question, his continuity is being debated internally, and several names are already circulating as potential replacements. The team's inconsistent start does not help the German player, but it doesn't explain everything. His inability to receive passes in tight spaces smoothly and his lack of spark even surprise his most loyal supporters.

Real Madrid, Liverpool, and the impact of a strategic decision
Real Madrid views the situation with a certain satisfaction, as reported by DefensaCentral. Florentino Pérez believes that rejecting the deal was the most prudent choice, both in terms of cost and the surplus in a non-urgent position. Furthermore, the club is already working on other priorities, such as strengthening the midfield and adding a defensive profile that enhances rotation. The return of Nico Paz in 2026 also plays a decisive role in future planning.
The coaching staff acknowledges Florian Wirtz's quality but understands that not all young talents adapt quickly to high-pressure contexts. The German, at just 22 years old, still has a high ceiling, although his development depends on how he manages this initial major challenge outside of Germany.
The evolution of the German attacking midfielder
The player's potential remains unquestionable. His vision, playmaking ability, and skill in tight spaces keep his label as a distinctive player intact. However, his adaptation to the Premier League has been slower than expected, influenced by the team's lack of stability and the physical demands of the competition.
A transfer window closure that confirms Real Madrid's intuition
In the Bernabéu offices, there is a sense that the president's rejection was a wise decision. The move for Florian Wirtz would have entailed a huge expense and, currently, is hard to justify based on his current performance. Nonetheless, the German still has room to redirect his trajectory, and it is not ruled out that he may reappear on the radar in the future if his progress regains the upward trend of his years in Germany.
For now, Florentino Pérez stands by his conviction: rejecting the signing was the right choice for Real Madrid, especially as the attacking midfielder struggles to find his form at Liverpool and Xabi Alonso continues building his sports project without the German's talent.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Florentino se alegra de no haber hecho caso a Xabi Alonso en un fichaje
