By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- The past days have been busy for the family of Florian Wirtz. While his managing father Hans-Joachim is receiving a growing number of urgent calls from Bayern Munich and Man City, the family met with his current club representatives to sort out future options.
Bayer Leverkusen leaders outlined their plans to extend the 21-year-old contract until 2028, but reports speak of Wirtz viewing options to a high-level career.
Cautiousness has been the guideline for the family over the past years as the courted sibling seems used to endless rumors, talking of a departure from the reigning German champion Leverkusen.
The gifted striker and midfielder seems untouched by the colorful bouquet of hearsays mentioning a possible collaboration at Bayern with national team buddy Jamal Musiala or a move to England or Spain.
While reports speak of around 150 million euros of possible transfer revenue for Leverkusen, the German International is setting new marks.
Five goals in five UEFA Champions League games aside from one assist in his first season might tell the story next to his newest desire such as to execute penalties.
A second goal following his early penalty score when the side of Spanish star coach Xabi Alonso crushed Salzburg 5-0, made him reach a new level as Swiss International and team captain Granit Xhaka assumed.
"I have rarely seen a player acting that mature at this age," the 32-year-old former Arsenal midfielder said, adding it's a never-ending story talking of new levels "as there seem no limits for him."
While his performances remain outstanding, the youngster is sticking to his humble way of dealing with the excitement around him.
Head coach Alonso called the Champions League "a competition made for him as things apparently can't be big enough for him."
Wirtz is a game-changer, the Spaniard added, demanding "to protect him and get him to the right spaces in our game."
Reports speak of Leverkusen favoring a move of Wirtz to a foreign league as the club isn't keen on reinforcing national rival Bayern.
Bayer's CEO Fernando Carro said he is optimistic regarding Wirtz' stay "as long as he is enjoying playing in a top-class team harvesting success, he is happy." ■
