Bayern's shock over Wirtz's refusal: a setback for Hoeneß
FC Bayern Miss Out on Florian Wirtz as Liverpool Secures Deal
Munich - Bayern Munich's aspirations for signing national player Florian Wirtz have been thwarted, with the English champions FC Liverpool set to welcome the sought-after midfielder. The Bundesliga giants now face the challenge of revising their transfer strategy following the rejection.
President Herbert Hainer admitted the setback, stating, "It appears that Florian Wirtz is leaning towards Liverpool. I can't predict what will happen with Leverkusen at this point."
In the aftermath of Wirtz's decision, FC Bayern director Lothar Matthäus described the development as a significant setback for the team. "For FC Bayern, this outcome is a defeat, particularly for Uli Hoeneß, who may consider it the most painful on the transfer market. He had consistently asserted that Wirtz was the absolute priority player, and Bayern would move all necessary levers to acquire him."
Reports indicate that Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen are now in negotiations over a transfer fee, with the German club demanding €150 million for Wirtz. If an agreement can be reached, the 22-year-old is expected to contribute to the Premier League rather than the Bundesliga.
Wirtz's contract with Leverkusen extends until the summer of 2027. His discussions with Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot have reportedly been positive, suggesting a transfer is imminent.
Liverpool would present a suitable destination for the talented midfielder, as national coach Julian Nagelsmann affirmed that it offers a favorable environment and an ideal position for Wirtz. "If it were to be Liverpool, it would be an advantageous move for him because he can play on his preferred position there. It's an outstanding club."
Despite a recent meeting with Wirtz, FC Bayern's sports director Hasan Salihamidžić and honorary president Hoeneß were unable to persuade the midfielder to join the Bavarian club. The team had initially hoped that Jamal Musiala and Wirtz would lead the new Bayern era together, but Wirtz's rejection may raise questions regarding position sharing in the squad.
As Bayern contemplates their transfer priorities, the acquisition of central defender Jonathan Tah is said to be underway. Tah can leave Bayer Leverkusen for free in the summer, and the Isar-based team is willing to pay a mid-seven-figure transfer fee to secure his early deployment during the Club World Cup in June.
Meanwhile, negotiations regarding the future of Leroy Sané continue to be unclear. The attacker, whose contract with Bayern expires in June 2025, rejected a recent contract extension offer. Sané is now being pursued by several foreign clubs, including Galatasaray, Napoli, Arsenal, and Chelsea. If an agreement is not reached, Bayern could potentially face a free transfer exit for Sané this summer, adding to the club's transfer woes.
Upon hearing the news, FC Bayern might consider strengthening their midfield, perhaps turning their attention to other promising talents or available footballers. Meanwhile, the radio buzzes with discussions about potential transfer targets and the impact Wirtz's decision might have on the team's football strategy.
