Kroos's Agent: "I Suggested Wirtz to Alonso, But He Told Me to Call Pérez!"
Volker Struth, the well-known agent of Toni Kroos, revealed his efforts to bring German star Florian Wirtz to Real Madrid before his eventual move to Liverpool in the summer of 2025.
Speaking on the "Phrasenmäher" podcast, Struth explained that he tried to facilitate Wirtz's transfer to Real Madrid before Liverpool successfully secured the deal for €125 million to sign the Bayer Leverkusen talent.
Struth, who manages Florian Wirtz's marketing affairs but is not his agent, admitted he attempted to contribute to the playmaker's move to the Santiago Bernabéu, stating: "My big wish was to see Florian at Real Madrid, and I don't think I'm the only one."
Drawing on his history with Toni Kroos and his relationship with Real Madrid officials, he added: "I think he would have performed very well there," while also noting that Wirtz "is currently performing well at Liverpool, he is a very young player, and the future of his football career is still open."
Struth reported that he spoke with Xabi Alonso during the decision-making phase regarding Wirtz's transfer, when the options were between Bayern Munich and Liverpool.
Struth recounted: "At the stage when it was between Bayern and Liverpool, when the talk was about a transfer, I contacted Wirtz's father and called Xabi and told him: 'Listen, take this boy. Try to talk to Florentino.'" Alonso's response was clear: "You have to talk to him yourself."
Struth did not hesitate to send a message to Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez, saying: "Hello Florentino, how are you? I have told you several times that I have an interesting player here whom I would like to recommend."
According to Struth, the reply was "friendly" but not sufficient to initiate negotiations, as Pérez responded: "Thank you, dear Volker. You know that your advice is always very important to me. Have you discussed this matter with José?" referring to CEO José Ángel Sánchez.
Nevertheless, Struth learned from "other sources" that the Wirtz deal "was not on the table" for the royal club at that time. He clarified: "Xabi wanted to sign him, but sometimes you're not in the right place at the right time. That year, it didn't fit with the squad, nor the budget, and all that entails. Real Madrid's coffers are not always full, but I am sure that Florian Wirtz improves any team," expressing his wish that he "plays there someday."