“Not too early”- Bundesliga club chief reveals stance on selling 18-year-old Chelsea target

Transfer News: Bayer Leverkusen reveal stance on selling Chelsea target Florian Wirtz

According to transfer news from Stats Perform (h/t Football.london), Bayer Leverkusen are not looking to sell Chelsea target, Florian Wirtz. Their Sporting Director Simon Rolfes has ruled out any potential sale in the near future and wants the 18-year-old to develop with the club.

For all of Chelsea’s attacking armada, they hardly look the part when it comes to scoring goals on a regular basis. The likes of Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic have failed to contribute goals when needed. No wonder Chelsea are looking at reinforcements such as Florian Wirtz.

Floarian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen is pursued by Chelsea, Manchester City, Man United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich. (imago Images)
Floarian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen is pursued by Chelsea, Manchester City, Man United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich. (imago Images)

It was after Kai Havertz’s departure to Chelsea that Wirtz emerged to become a central presence for Leverkusen. The German has taken up the duties left by the now Chelsea man and is flourishing in the same role. Within such a short span, he has managed to captivate the German league.

However, Chelsea might have to wait for a few seasons if they really want the talented youngster. Leverkusen Sporting Director Simon Rolfes has ruled out an immediate sale for their crown jewel.

“He has a long contract until 2026. We do not have to sell players early. We want to develop him, develop our team and club with him. So, there are rumours, okay. You cannot avoid that, but it’s not our goal to sell him. The players at one time or point in their career make the next step to world-class level, that’s okay for us, but not too early. He is a really young player. That was also with Kai [Havertz] – he was also extraordinary and some years with us and then maybe there’s the next step. But not too early.”

Simon Rolfes has ruled out an immediate sale for Wirtz (Imago Images)
Simon Rolfes has ruled out an immediate sale for Wirtz (Imago Images)

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Perhaps there is a valid point in there as Wirtz is just 18 and will need regular game time to keep up his development curve. Chelsea are already brimming with too many star names and signing him at this stage might not be the best idea. Maybe Chelsea can look to repeat the Havertz trick in a few years when he has developed a bit more.