Real Madrid face Liverpool, Man City competition for 20-year-old midfield target – report

Real Madrid continue to search for a midfielder capable of helping control games from the centre of the pitch.

Having failed to sign their primary target Rodri this summer, the Merengues remain on the lookout for a player who can dictate the tempo while providing a creative edge from midfield.

Although the club moved late to sign Sergio Martinez, who has already made a strong impression at Real Madrid Castilla, there is no desire to rush the 19-year-old into the first team.

As such, the search for a new player in the position remains underway and one name now emerging is Paul Wanner, a talented young midfielder currently playing for PSV Eindhoven.

Real Madrid enter race for Wanner

Now, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, Real Madrid have set their sights on Wanner, but are set to face competition from Liverpool and Manchester City for the 20-year-old.

Wanner has impressed at PSV. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Wanner, who is German-Austrian, is regarded as one of the most interesting young midfielders to have come through in the German game in recent years.

He made his senior debut for Bayern Munich at the age of 16 years and 15 days, becoming the youngest player in the club’s history to feature in the Bundesliga. He eventually joining PSV in a €15 million transfer in 2025.

The midfielder represented Germany at every youth level before making his senior debut for Austria.

According to the report, Real Madrid have entered the race for Wanner and could consider a move even in the upcoming January transfer window.

The 20-year-old could be allowed to leave PSV this winter, although Madrid would face considerable competition for his signature.

Liverpool are also pursuing the Austria international, while Manchester City are monitoring his situation.

Competition growing for Wanner’s transfer. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Bayern Munich hold an important advantage

The biggest complication for Real Madrid is Bayern Munich’s buy-back clause. Having developed Wanner before selling him to PSV, the German giants retain the option to bring him back.

That could have a major influence on the midfielder’s future and make negotiations considerably more complicated for any interested club.

With several major European sides following Wanner, his potential price could rise to between €30 million and €50 million.

For Real Madrid, Wanner represents another possible solution to their search for a young, creative midfielder, but Bayern’s contractual position and competition from Liverpool and Manchester City could make any January move difficult.