Bayern Munich issue bitter statement after Florian Wirtz’s Liverpool transfer U-turn

Liverpool have been pushing to beat Bayern Munich to the signing of Florian Wirtz, who looks destined to leave Bayer Leverkusen in one of the biggest deals of the summer

Bayern Munich chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen has pointed to the Bavarian club’s involvement in the upcoming Club World Cup in an effort to emphasise their credentials amid Florian Wirtz’s transfer U-turn. Germany international Wirtz had looked destined for Bayern, only for Liverpool to steal a march.

Arne Slot’s Reds, of course, aren’t involved in the Club World Cup. Their recent European struggles are a big factor in that, though they would have qualified had they beaten Real Madrid in the 2022 Champions League final.

“Much more has been written than spoken,” Dreesen told TZ (via the ECHO). “FC Bayern is one of the absolute top clubs in Europe and the world. Our appeal among fans, but also among players, is enormous.

“The fact that not every player will end up with us is simply part of the package; it’s the same for other top clubs. But everyone knows: with FC Bayern, you can win everything every year, you’re involved in every competition – the upcoming Club World Cup is a good example of that.

“Just look at which clubs are represented there – and, most of all, which (clubs) aren’t. The best European clubs are competing there – including FC Bayern. Our appeal, sporting ambitions, and economic power are well known to all top players around the world.”

READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal announcement, Frimpong arrives at Liverpool, Man Utd deal agreedREAD MORE: Liverpool face transfer dilemma after Florian Wirtz U-turn as Bayern Munich act

Bayern qualified for the upcoming Club World Cup via their standing in the UEFA four-year ranking. They also won this season’s Bundesliga, finishing well clear of Wirtz’s current club Bayer Leverkusen.

Vincent Kompany’s side will take on Boca Juniors, Auckland City and Benfica in their group. The first of those games, against reigning OFC Champions League winners Auckland City, will take place on June 15.

Liverpool are understood to have lodged an opening bid of £85m for Wirtz. The sum would represent a club record fee, though sits below the nine-figure sum Leverkusen are reportedly chasing for the playmaker.

Manchester City and Real Madrid had also been linked with Wirtz earlier in the spring. City had explored bringing him in as a replacement for the departing Kevin De Bruyne while Madrid have confirmed Leverkusen double-winner Xabi Alonso as their new manager, but Liverpool appear to lead the way.

“It’s currently an open subject with Florian,” Leverkusen chief Simon Rolfes said. “There is concrete interest from Liverpool, but there’s no more to say right now. Florian is our player.”

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.