Löw says Wirtz should stay at Leverkusen at least until World Cup

Former German national coach Joachim Loew reacts before the start of the 2022 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers Group J soccer match between Germany and Liechtenstein at the Volkswagen Arena. Swen Pförtner/dpa

Former Germany coach Joachim Löw has advised young star Florian Wirtz to stay at Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen until after next year's World Cup.

Playmaker Wirtz, 21, has a Leverkusen contract until 2027 but is said to be on the radar of many top clubs, including German rivals Bayern Munich.

Löw told Welt TV that Wirtz would be "well-advised to transfer after the World Cup 2026" because the familiar environment in Leverkusen is important.

"He will also play (for Leverkusen) if he has a poor phase and he would have a guarantee to play," said Löw, who coached Germany to the 2014 World Cup title during his term 2006-2021.

Löw said that Wirtz could then really shine at the World Cup, which could also further raise his value.

Wirtz is currently sidelined with an ankle injury and will miss next week's Nations League quarter-final tie between Germany and Italy.

National team sporting director Rudi Völler, who was also a long-time Leverkusen official, confirmed "many enquiries" from other clubs for Wirtz but agreed with Löw that he should stay put for now.

"I would advise him to stay for the time being. He also feels comfortable. The people in charge also know that the time will come when he leaves Leverkusen. Everyone hopes that it will happen later rather than sooner," 1990 World Cup winner Völler said.

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