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Florian Wirtz has reportedly set his eyes on a move to Liverpool over Bayern Munich this summer(Image: Getty Images)

Florian Wirtz admitted that he grew up wanting to play for Barcelona - as the Bayer Leverkusen superstar nears a summer move to Liverpool.

The 22-year-old is the central figure in one of the biggest transfer sagas of the summer so far, with the attacking midfielder said to be closing in on a move to the Premier League champions.

Having been with Leverkusen since 2020 after spending 10 years in the academy system of Bundesliga side Cologne, Wirtz emerged as a highly rated talent in the 2020/21 season, scoring eight goals across all competitions.

He only grew in importance as the years went on as Leverkusen become more prominent in the German title race that culminated in the club winning the Bundesliga for the first time in their history last season.

They also went unbeaten for good measure.

It was during his breakout season in 2021 that Wirtz was quizzed about his footballing ambitions.

It was then that he was also asked whether he harboured any career goals.

The youngster admitted it was a childhood dream to represent Barcelona.

"That's still the case, but I still have some time until then (laughs)."

Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong are nearing a double move to Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen(Image: Jan Fromme - firo sportphoto/Getty Images)

Even back in 2022, Wirtz insisted he was open to moving abroad in his career and never saw himself as a player that would remain in his home country for the rest of his career.

"It depends on where I see the next steps in my career," he said to Sky Sports Germany when asked about the possibility of leaving Germany.

"Playing abroad at some point is definitely a possibility.

Whether it'll be at another club or at Leverkusen, I don't know yet."

Wirtz's compatriot Hansi Flick led Barcelona to the La Liga title this season(Image: Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick is someone particularly knowledgeable about the immense talent Wirtz possesses given he coached the attacker with the Germany national team for two years.

While Flick - who led the Spanish giants to the La Liga title this season - would surely be keen to reunite with his former player, Wirtz looks set to join Arne Slot at Anfield in what is reported to be a club-record fee for the Merseyside outfit.

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