FC Bayern Munich Defeated in Pursuit of Florian Wirtz by Liverpool
Failure at Bayern's Wirtz megadeal: Analyzing the Broken Negotiation
Since Friday afternoon, it has become apparent that even the formidable FC Bayern cannot secure every coveted player. The highly anticipated transfer of Florian Wirtz, a 22-year-old star from Bayer Leverkusen, will not materialize, as he has opted to join Liverpool instead. This development represents a significant blow for the record-breaking champions.
Why Bayern Missed Out on Wirtz
Wirtz emerged as the primary target of Bayern's management, particularly former honorary president Uli Hoeneß. Hoeneß had direct involvement in the transfer proceedings, having maintained contact with Wirtz's advisor, his father Hans-Joachim, for months. The family was even invited to Hoeneß's home at Tegernsee. Recently, discussions involving Wirtz, his father, Hoeneß, and sports director Max Eberl took place. Bayern were assured they were on the verge of reaching an agreement. However, a dramatic turnaround occurred: On Friday, the Wirtz family reportedly informed Bayern's management of their intention to join Liverpool via telephone. Bayern president Herbert Hainer confirmed this development at a fan festival in the Bayern Park on Saturday, stating, "Max Eberl informed me that Florian Wirtz is likely leaning towards Liverpool. I can't say what will happen with Leverkusen after that."
Wirtz's Decision influenced by Arne Slot and Liverpool's Project
Liverpool coach Arne Slot is believed to have played a significant role in Wirtz's decision. Slot, who took over from Jürgen Klopp last season and successfully led the team to a Premier League title with minimal changes, was able to persuade the 22-year-old in discussions. Reportedly, Slot's project at Liverpool resonated more with Wirtz than Bayern coach Vincent Kompany, with whom Wirtz is said to have also met, according to "Kicker."
In the aftermath of the Wirtz setback, Bayern's management is adjusting its summer transfer strategy. Instead of focusing on a central midfielder like Wirtz, they are now scouting for more wingers.
Bayern's New Target: Japanese Winger Kaoru Mitoma
Japanese player Kaoru Mitoma from Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion is a potential candidate. Munich has had positive experiences with transfers from the island recently, with Michael Olise joining the club from Crystal Palace last summer for around 50 million euros, a deal that seems to have been one of the best Bayern deals in recent years from today's perspective.
Possible Arrival of Jonathan Tah
Bayern could soon announce a signed deal for Jonathan Tah, who is reportedly in negotiations for a four-year contract. However, President Hainer declined to provide any official confirmation. While expressing optimism about Tah's potential arrival, he stressed that the deal is not yet finalized.
Enrichment Data Integration
Wirtz preferred Liverpool primarily due to the vision and project presented by Liverpool's coach Arne Slot. Financially and personally, terms were agreed faster with Liverpool, resulting in Bayern falling behind in negotiations. Liverpool's offering, potentially including a large transfer fee and a player exchange, seemed more acceptable to Bayer Leverkusen given their demands for a significant fee and squad reinforcements.
Despite Bayern Munich's intense pursuit of Florian Wirtz, the 22-year-old star chose to join Liverpool, marking a significant defeat for the reigning champions. Arne Slot, Liverpool's coach, is believed to have played a key role in Wirtz's decision, with his vision and project at Liverpool seemingly appealing more than Vincent Kompany's at Bayern. As a result, Bayern is now considering Japanese winger Kaoru Mitoma from Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion as a potential new target.
