Bayern Munich make Florian Wirtz claim as chief tears into Premier League club

Florian Wirtz joined Liverpool in a Premier League record move early in the summer window with Bayern Munich forced to turn their attentions to other transfer targets

Bayern Munich chief Uli Hoeness insists the summer transfer window has been a success for the club despite them missing out on Florian Wirtz. Germany international Wirtz joined Liverpool in a move worth up to £116million, after the likes of Bayern and Real Madrid explored a move earlier in the summer.

Wirtz caught the eye with his performances with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. While Hoeness admitted Bayern were admirers of the 22-year-old, he said they were priced out of a deal by Liverpool’s spending power.

“We’re very satisfied at FC Bayern,” Hoeneß told German media (via the Echo). “We are the real winners of the summer transfer window. We have a strong team and didn’t need to strengthen it much. Of course, we would have liked to have Florian Wirtz, but we’d never have bought him for €150million (£130million).

Liverpool weren’t the only ones to outbid Bayern for a summer target. Wirtz’s fellow Germany international Nick Woltemade ended up at Newcastle despite earlier suggestions he would move to the Allianz Arena, and Hoeness took aim at the Magpies after they blew the Bavarians out of the water..

“We offered €55million (£47.7million) for Nick Woltemade, while Stuttgart wanted €75 million (£65million),” he said. “In the end, he went to Newcastle for €90m (£78million). “What Newcastle are doing has nothing to do with football. It’s like Monopoly these days”

READ MORE: Liverpool star sends ‘difficult’ warning to Florian Wirtz after slow start to life at AnfieldREAD MORE: Julian Nagelsmann issues defiant statement on Germany job after unwanted record

Despite missing out on Wirtz, Bayern made a number of senior signings during the summer window. Luis Diaz and Jonathan Tah joined permanently, while Nicolas Jackson has arrived on loan from Chelsea.

Vincent Kompany’s side spent around £75m on their permanent and loan deals, while recouping a similar sum through sales. Mathys Tel joined Tottenham permanently after a spell on loan, whie Kingsley Coman’s Al-Nassr switch was one of the other high-profile exits.

Wirtz has started all three of Liverpool’s Premier League games since his summer move and is still waiting to deliver a first goal or assist, but has enjoyed the freedom given to him by Arne Slot. “I came here to play my best football and because I thought I could fit into this team,” he said before the start of the new season.

“I’m really enjoying my first few weeks. I’m enjoying playing with these players. It’s getting a little bit better every time and I’m happy about how it’s going.

““I think I’m a player who needs freedom on the pitch, and the manager gives it to me. Of course, I have to respect the position I’m in and the players around me, but I try to give my best on the pitch and find the right places, and I have the freedom for this here.”

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