Liverpool has received a major boost in their chase for Florian Wirtz, with Bayern Munich reportedly pulling out of the race.
The Bayer Leverkusen star is said to prefer a move to Anfield, and that’s given the Premier League champions a clear path to sign one of Europe’s brightest young talents.
According to reports from Germany, Wirtz has told Bayern he’s leaning toward joining Liverpool, a decision that may now push the Reds to make a formal offer.
Bayer Leverkusen are expected to demand over £125 million for the 21-year-old attacking midfielder—a price that would set a new British transfer record.
Liverpool is believed to have the financial backing to get the deal done this summer. However, they’re also aware that Florian Wirtz could still decide to remain at Leverkusen for another season.
This update comes shortly after Manchester City reportedly dropped out of the race due to the high cost of the deal.
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City have now shifted focus to Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, leaving Liverpool in pole position to sign Wirtz.
Adding to the speculation, Wirtz’s parents were seen in the UK last week, reportedly holding talks about his future.
Then came the confirmation from Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer, who admitted that Wirtz seems to be favouring a move to Merseyside.
“Max Eberl [Bayern’s director of sport] informed me that Florian Wirtz is probably leaning towards Liverpool,” Hainer said during a recent fan event. “I can’t say how things will transpire with Leverkusen.”
Bayern’s Uli Hoeness was less diplomatic, criticizing the media for hyping up Wirtz’s links to the Premier League and calling reports of his visit to Liverpool “nonsense.”
“These are things that are so typical of the state of our media, that they take such nonsense as a small trip so seriously,” Hoeness said.
“It’s not about football anymore, it’s just about every fart left and right. And then you have to ask yourselves whether that’s still what the viewers want to hear, read, and see.
“What can I tell you now? You’ve been writing nonsense for weeks about him going to Manchester City, even though he was at Liverpool. We’ll provide you with facts at some point, not more speculation.”
Despite the drama, the numbers speak for themselves. Florian Wirtz had another standout season, scoring 16 goals and assisting 15 more across all competitions in 2024/25. Last season, his 23 goal contributions helped Leverkusen win their first-ever Bundesliga title.
If Wirtz leaves, it would be the latest in a string of major departures for Leverkusen. Manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed he will leave at the end of the season, likely to take over at Real Madrid. Liverpool are also targeting right-back Jeremie Frimpong, planning to activate his £29.5 million release clause.
Wirtz has been with Leverkusen since 2016, joining as a teenager after turning down offers from Bayern and Hoffenheim. He made his Bundesliga debut just after turning 17 and became the youngest goalscorer in league history soon after.
Now, with 197 senior appearances, 57 goals, and 65 assists to his name, Florian Wirtz is one of the hottest names in European football—and Liverpool look set to make their move.
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