Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer has acknowledged that the Bundesliga titans are set to lose out on signing Florian Wirtz to Liverpool. Discussions had been ongoing between both Bayern and Bayer Leverkusen for the young star, but it seems Arne Slot’s team has pulled ahead in the chase.
Though contracts haven’t been signed yet, Liverpool and Leverkusen are deep in conversation over a transfer fee. The German outfit values Wirtz at $170 million, with talks centring on how this sum can be met, whether through a staggered payment plan over years or possibly even including players heading to Leverkusen as part of the agreement.
As Bayern’s president, Herbert Hainer mentioned: “Max Eberl (Bayern director of sport) informed me that Florian Wirtz is probably leaning towards Liverpool. I can’t say how things will transpire with Leverkusen.”
According to Sky Sports Germany, negotiations over payment methods commenced after Wirtz signalled his preference for Liverpool.
An early agreement is favoured by both Leverkusen and Wirtz, with Liverpool potentially reducing the overall cash outlay by offering members of Slot’s squad as part of the deal.
With Leverkusen on the lookout for new talent across several positions including goalkeeper, centre back, striker, and someone to fill Wirtz’s shoes, they are eager to fortify their squad which, having clinched the Bundesliga title last season, is now being targeted by Europe’s elite clubs.
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Xabi Alonso is set to step into Carlo Ancelotti’s shoes at Real Madrid, while Liverpool is close to securing the signature of wing-back Jeremie Frimpong and centre-back Jonathan Tah, who is expected to join Bayern on a free transfer.
Bild reports that Wirtz’s choice to join Liverpool came as a shock to Bayern bosses, who anticipated him staying with Leverkusen this summer and starting negotiations for a 2026 move.
After several meetings with the player’s father, Vincent Kompany’s team understood that any deal would need to be wrapped up quickly – before his son jetted off for his summer holiday.
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However, Hans-Joachim Wirtz returned to Bayern on the same day and revealed that the 22 year old’s preference was to make a move to Liverpool.
It remains to be seen where he will fit into the Liverpool side, having been deployed in an advanced role at Leverkusen under Alonso.
His arrival could pave the way for Luis Diaz to leave, amid fresh interest from Barcelona, although Arne Slot gave that speculation short shrift this week.
