Florian Wirtz is reportedly on the hunt for a property in Merseyside, fuelling speculation that he could be set to join Liverpool this summer.
Bayern Munich is also keen on the German starlet, creating a nail-biting two-horse race after Manchester City withdrew due to concerns over the cost of the deal. Wirtz has hit double digits for both goals and assists for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga for the second consecutive season. At just 22 years old, the attacking midfielder has already racked up over 220 appearances and 60 goals for club and country.
Another standout season will only further convince his potential suitors that he’s ready to maintain his top-level performance for many more years. Bayern were thought to have the upper hand in securing Wirtz’s signature, with rumors suggesting the player’s family had “given their word” he would move to the Allianz Arena either this summer or next.
However, interest from newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool has thrown a curveball into the mix.
As per Bild, Bayern bosses are starting to “fear” Liverpool, and Wirtz is said to be already house-hunting in the north-west. The young player’s family met with senior Reds officials during a trip earlier this month, which also included a visit to City’s training ground.
Liverpool may have an opportunity to swoop in, as the report suggests that Bayern are balking at Bayer Leverkusen’s transfer demands, including a staggering fee of $170 million.
The $113M that Bayern are reportedly ready to fork out falls significantly short of Leverkusen’s valuation. If Liverpool is willing to put a nine-figure sum on the table, their Munich-based rivals could find themselves outpriced.
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However, the Bayern hierarchy aren’t ready to throw in the towel just yet. Honorary president Uli Hoeness is believed to be arranging a meeting with the Wirtz family at his residence, where they hope to make headway and “strike a deal” before Liverpool can step in.
This summer transfer window is shaping up to be a significant one for the Reds, with manager Arne Slot looking to build on his title-winning debut season.
Liverpool have been relatively frugal since the Dutchman took the helm. Federico Chiesa and Giorgi Mamardashvili are the only players to command a transfer fee in the past year.
Moreover, Anfield chiefs have valuable assets to offload, with Darwin Nunez, Caoimhin Kelleher, Jarell Quansah, and Luis Diaz among those potentially heading for the exit come season’s end.
