According to reports, Bayern Munich officials were surprised after Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz informed them of his desire to move to Liverpool this summer.
The Bundesliga champions have made no secret of their ambition to sign Wirtz, openly encouraging him to move to Munich. Their confidence in a potential deal grew further when rival suitor Manchester City withdrew from the race for his signature.
Unfortunately for Bayern, they were not left alone in the pursuit of Wirtz, as Liverpool entered the fray to explore a club-record signing. The Reds ultimately decided to formalize their interest shortly thereafter.
Several newspapers, including The Athletic, are now reporting Wirtz’s desire to move to Anfield this summer. The 22-year-old has reportedly informed Bayern of his preference and has even begun searching for a house in Liverpool, hoping for a deal to be finalized.
BILD noted that Bayern were surprised to learn they were not leading the race for Wirtz’s signature, having previously believed they had a commitment from the German international regarding a move to Munich in 2026 if a deal couldn’t be reached this year.
Talks with Liverpool manager Arne Slot are believed to have changed Wirtz’s mind, and he now hopes to continue his career under the Dutchman. However, despite a personal agreement reportedly being reached with Wirtz, the financial implications of such a deal mean that much work still remains.
Liverpool, who are also close to finalizing the signing of another Bayer Leverkusen player – right-back Jeremie Frimpong – have reportedly contacted Leverkusen and are now working on their finances to pursue such a deal.
Leverkusen is expected to demand a fee of €150 million (£126 million, $170.2 million), which would not only break Liverpool’s club record, but also surpass the Premier League’s record transfer fee, currently held by the £85 million ($114.8 million) paid for striker Darwin Núñez from Benfica in 2022.