Matthäus advises Wirtz on a loss for Hoeneß
Florian Wirtz Turns Down FC Bayern Munich in Favor of Liverpool
Munich – Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz has opted against joining FC Bayern Munich, with the Bayern president, Herbert Hainer, confirming that the national team player has received an offer from Liverpool.
In an announcement at a fan festival, Hainer revealed that Wirtz appears to be leaning towards the English champions, stating, "Max Eberl informed me that Florian Wirtz seems to be leaning towards Liverpool. I can't say what will happen with Leverkusen after that."
This development has been labeled a significant setback for Bayern by ex-Bayern player and television expert Lothar Matthäus, who called it a "defeat" for the Munich club. Matthäus expressed that Uli Hoeneß, Bayern's honorary president, may have suffered a particularly painful blow personally in recent transfer market history, as Wirtz was Hoeneß's top target.
If Liverpool can agreed upon the appropriate transfer fee with Leverkusen and Wirtz finalizes his agreement with the Reds, the 22-year-old will swap the Bundesliga for the Premier League in the near future. Wirtz remains under contract with Leverkusen until the summer of 2027.
The Bundesliga club is demanding a transfer fee of €150 million for the exceptional talent. According to persistent media reports, Wirtz has already reached an agreement with Liverpool coach Arne Slot on a transfer, following positive talks with the Reds.
Matthäus applauded Wirtz for taking on a considerable challenge and embracing a new mentality and language, while acknowledging that such a move indicates self-belief. "He is taking on a big challenge. It's not just a new club. It's a new mentality, a new language. But: This step also shows that he is not afraid. Florian Wirtz believes in himself - and rightly so. I absolutely believe that he will make it at Liverpool and in the Premier League," said Matthäus.
In light of Wirtz's decision, Bayern must shift their focus towards other potential signings. Reportedly, Hoeneß and sports director Eberl met with Wirtz mid-week, but were unable to convince him to move to the Isar. It has been suggested that the prospect of sharing the number 10 position with Jamal Musiala may have influenced Wirtz's choice.
Matthäus speculated that Wirtz could have been attracted to Liverpool due to the absence of a dominant player on his position. "At Liverpool, there is not yet that kind of player who dominates the game on his position." (ABC News)
[1] Simon Rolfes, managing director of Bayer Leverkusen: "There is concrete interest from Liverpool." (Sky)
[2] Independent.co.uk: "Liverpool in talks with Florian Wirtz for £84m transfer."
[3] Sport1: "Liverpool to reduce Florian Wirtz transfer fee to below €150 million with add-ons."
Florian Wirtz's potential move to Liverpool, rather than FC Bayern Munich, is set to happen if the transfer fee and personal agreement can be finalized. This shift from the Bundesliga to the Premier League will mark a new challenge for the 22-year-old, with Liverpool lacking a dominant player in his position, making this move an indication of Wirtz's self-belief.
