Florian Wirtz’s agent, Volker Struth, has admitted he would like to see the Liverpool midfielder play for Real Madrid one day — comments that may unsettle supporters at Anfield.

Wirtz completed a £116 million move to Liverpool FC last summer, one of the most expensive transfers in Premier League history. After a challenging start to life on Merseyside, the German international has steadily grown into his role, emerging as a central figure in Liverpool’s midfield and dictating the tempo in the way many had anticipated.

Before joining the Premier League champions, Wirtz had attracted strong interest from several European heavyweights. Madrid were among the clubs keen to prise him away from Bayer 04 Leverkusen, but a deal never materialised.

Speaking on the Phrasenmäher podcast, Struth acknowledged that a move to the Spanish capital had once been on his mind.

“That year, it simply wasn’t the right time due to the squad and the budget. Even Real Madrid’s coffers aren’t always overflowing,” he said. “But my wish remains that Florian will play there one day.

“I wasn’t deeply involved in the offers that were on the table. My greatest wish, of course, would have been to have Florian at Real Madrid — and I don’t think I’m alone in that.

“I also think he would be in very good hands there. He’s doing quite well in Liverpool now. He’s a very young player, and who knows what might happen in his career.”

Wirtz signed a five-year contract upon arriving at Anfield, tying him to the club until at least 2030. Nevertheless, Struth’s remarks are unlikely to sit comfortably with fans, particularly after the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Madrid last summer.

For now, Wirtz remains a key pillar of Liverpool’s project — but his agent’s candid admission ensures that speculation over a future move to the Bernabéu is unlikely to fade any time soon.