Liverpool look set to beat German giants Bayern Munich to the signing of Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz and chiefs of the Bundesliga giants have had a lot to say about the deal
Bayern Munich were unable to match Liverpool’s lofty offer for Florian Wirtz, a prominent chief at the German giants has admitted. The Reds look set to win the race for the Bayer Leverkusen playmaker having fought off huge competition.
Manchester City looked to be the frontrunners but were forced to back out after growing concerned at the finances involved. Bayern were then expected to seal a move but they too were unable to secure a deal.
Liverpool are now attempting to get a move for Wirtz over the line having submitted three bids for the 22-year-old – the latest of which being a guaranteed £100m with around £14m in add-ons. According to Sky Germany, a move is expected to be completed next week, with Wirtz set to undergo a medical once he returns from holiday.
Should all of the add-ons in the deal be met, Wirtz would become the most expensive player in British football history. And that is exactly the reason why Bayern were not able to compete. Sporting director Max Eberl said to Sky Germany: “If I’m honest, I don’t know if we could have paid what Liverpool are apparently paying now. Florian Wirtz is an outstanding player. We could have imagined signing him. But when a door closes, another opens.”
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Eberl is not the first Bayern chief to speak out on their failed move for Wirtz. Club president Herbert Hainer dropped the bombshell news last month that their bid had failed.
He said: “[Director of sport] Max Eberl has informed me that Florian Wirtz is probably leaning towards Liverpool. I can’t say how things will continue with Leverkusen.”
Meanwhile, former Liverpool star Dietmarr Hamann revealed that Wirtz and his family were left convinced by the way the Reds went about their attempts in signing the midfielder and hailed the move. He said: “Florian Wirtz has made a decision. I believe it’s the right one.
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“Things are really happening at Liverpool under Arne Slot. They’ll sign, or want to sign, two or three other players, from what I hear. That’s why I think Wirtz has made a very good decision.”
He added: “Liverpool is a global club, and they’ve demonstrated that in the negotiations. They’ve probably been in contact with Florian Wirtz for weeks or months, and they’ve never heard anything.
“I think the Wirtz family was also impressed by how they handled it: discreetly, quietly, all in the background.”
Once a deal for Wirtz is done, he would become the second star to arrive from Bayer Leverkusen this summer after Dutch full-back Jeremie Frimpong. Liverpool have also signed promising young goalkeeper Armin Pecsi.
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