By Rune Gjerulff@runegjerulff

Leverkusen CEO responds to speculation surrounding Wirtz and Xabi Alonso

Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has responded to speculation surrounding the futures of Florian Wirtz and Xabi Alonso.
Fernando Carro.
Fernando Carro.Photo: Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Florian Wirtz has been linked with a move away from Bayer Leverkusen, with a number of top clubs said to be keeping tabs on the 20-year-old.

Nevertheless, Leverkusen fully expect him to stay beyond the summer, according to club CEO Fernando Carro.

"There is always an acceptance limit. But Florian's is not only very, very high financially, but also emotionally - for both sides. We are not thinking of selling him," Carro told Bild.

"I believe that Florian feels very much at home here at the club, in this team, with this coach, and he knows that he can still develop with us.

"Of course, it will also depend on the success perspective we can offer. If you can be part of a success story here, there is no need to move to another club," the Leverkusen boss added.

At the moment, things are certainly going well for Leverkusen, who are top of the Bundesliga and in contention for the DFB-Pokal and Europa League.

That's due in no small part to the work of head coach Xabi Alonso, who is said to be attracting interest from top clubs, including Real Madrid.

But as with Wirtz, Carro does not expect him to go anywhere.

"Xabi just renewed his contract in the summer. He is working with a top team and has an excellent organization behind him. We expect him to be our coach next year. There is no reason to think otherwise."

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