‘Complete surprise' — Bayern Munich shocked at losing chance to get Florian Wirtz as Liverpool boss Arne Slot might have closed the deal
According to a detailed report from Sport Bild journalists Christian Falk and Tobi Altschäffl (as captured by @iMiaSanMia), Bayern Munich was left stunned by Florian Wirtz's decision to move to Liverpool FC.
The club had met with Wirtz and his family expecting to finalize a deal, only to be told that move was not going to happen. As for what changed the playmaker's mind, Liverpool coach Arne Slot appears to have had a lot to do with the change of the heart:
A meeting had taken place earlier this week, with Florian Wirtz, Uli Hoeneß, and Max Eberl all sitting at the table. Bayern had tried everything one last time. Yesterday afternoon, Hans-Joachim Wirtz called Hoeneß and Eberl and told them that after five years at Bayer Leverkusen, his son no longer sees himself in the Bundesliga. He wanted the next step, the next challenge. Therefore, he would move to the Premier League, to Liverpool.
The decision came as a complete surprise to Bayern. There was tremendous confidence that Wirtz would move to Munich. After numerous discussions with Wirtz himself and his father, Bayern were of the opinion that the player doesn't see himself in a different league yet. They thought his plan was to continue maturing in Germany before moving abroad in a few years - that's why they were very certain and were prepared to put together the biggest transfer package in the club's history
Florian Wirtz also had long discussions with Bayern coach Vincent Kompany and Liverpool coach Arne Slot. Slot is said to have impressed Wirtz with his ideas.
Advertisement
All Bayern Munich can do is dust itself off and prep for the next pursuit. The club really wanted Wirtz, but will have to move on and try to find ways to improve the squad without adding the man, who many believe is Germany's top talent at the moment.
The news that Bayern Munich had coughed up the Florian Wirtz transfer was shocking. Even more stunning was that it was Liverpool FC, who ultimately won the Germany international's heart. So...what next? Let's rehash how it all went down, why it happened, and then talk about what might on tap next for the Bavarians, who have to start their transfer dealings all over again. You can get all of that analysis on the Bavarian Podcast Works — Reaction Show. You can get the podcast on Patreon, Spotify, or below:
Also, be sure to stay tuned to Bavarian Podcast Works for all of your up to date coverage on Bayern Munich and Germany. Check us out on Patreon and follow us on Twitter @BavarianFBWorks, @BavarianPodcast @TheBarrelBlog, @BFWCyler, @2012nonexistent, @TommyAdams71 and more
Advertisement
More from bavarianfootballworks.com:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
32 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Potential record deal puts Elliott's name back in the headlines as Albion are linked
Harvey Elliott, pictured with Yasin Ayari, could be on the move (Image: Simon Dack) Harvey Elliott's name is being linked with Albion again – after Liverpool clinched a record deal. The champions' move for Florian Wirtz will set them back an initial £100 million. That will become a British record £116 million if various clauses are met. Advertisement It also appears to affect Elliott's potential to play significant minutes for the Reds. Albion were believed to be interested in Elliott during the January transfer window and probably before that. That might at least partly explain why The Sun report him to be of interest to the Seagulls in the current window. He would command a sizeable fee and comes with some uncertainty over what he can produce in the Premier League on a consistent basis. But Elliott, who is currently with England under-21s at the Euros, has shown plenty of promise. He scored for Liverpool at the Amex towards the end of the season. Advertisement There is no suggestion that Albion have bid for Elliott but there is a theory the presence of his former Anfield mentor James Milner could help persuade the 22-year-old to move. Albion have an array of options in attacking midfield areas but plenty of outward activity is expected during the summer transfer window.
New York Times
2 hours ago
- New York Times
Bayern Munich vs Boca Juniors live updates: Club World Cup 2025 predictions, team news, latest score
And one of the tastiest matches of the group stages is incoming here on The Athletic . Namely, Bayern Munich against Boca Juniors. There was plenty of drama (as well as goals) in the tournament openers for both teams, as Bayern thrashed Auckland City 10-0 and Boca played out a testy 2-2 draw with Benfica. Here's hoping for more of that entertainment today! Stick with us for all the build-up, team news, pre-match quotes, previews, analysis, and more.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Journalist Confirms Liverpool's Interest in Signing £40m Star
Liverpool Eyeing Guehi as Next Defensive Anchor Amid Quansah Exit Liverpool are continuing their methodical rebuild under Arne Slot by exploring the market for a new central defender, with Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi emerging as a serious candidate. As reported by Lewis Steele, speaking on Anfield Index with Dave Davis, the 24-year-old centre-back is firmly on the Reds' radar, but a move is far from imminent, at least for now. Guehi a Leading Option but Not the Only One Guehi's name is not new to Liverpool's recruitment team. 'Liverpool aren't completely all-in on him at this stage but that could change very quickly,' said Steele. That subtle caveat speaks volumes about the club's evolving transfer strategy. Under Slot, Liverpool have shown a willingness to act decisively when the conditions align, and Guehi's contract situation, he has just one year remaining and could be available for around £40m, is starting to draw attention at Kirkby. Advertisement 'They were interested in him last summer but maybe they noticed his contract situation,' Steele added, suggesting the opportunity is now more economically appealing. Guehi would not arrive as a panic buy or a developmental project. Instead, he would be viewed as a ready-made option, capable of playing immediately and contributing to a title-defending campaign. 'He's a very good player. Palace fans absolutely adore him. He's their leader, their captain and he won them the FA Cup,' said Steele. His character and leadership are precisely the type of traits that Liverpool's dressing room crave. Defensive Overhaul Signals Strategic Planning Slot's first summer window is already showing aggressive movement. Jeremie Frimpong has joined from Bayer Leverkusen to succeed Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, while Milos Kerkez is poised to arrive at left-back. In midfield, Liverpool shattered their transfer record to secure Florian Wirtz for £113 million. Advertisement The Guehi links, however, mark a potentially critical next step in the spine of Slot's Liverpool 2.0. With Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konaté both facing uncertain long-term futures, though neither is expected to leave this summer, bringing in another versatile and composed centre-back fits the puzzle. 'I don't think that Guehi is the only centre-back they are looking at. I just think that he is one of the options,' Steele clarified. Photo: IMAGO That careful wording reinforces the reality of modern recruitment. Liverpool are not desperate, but rather deliberate. They recognise value, timing and character, and Guehi ticks all three boxes. England Role Increases Guehi's Appeal There's another reason Liverpool's interest may accelerate. Guehi is expected to start for England at the World Cup next summer, which could exponentially raise his profile and price. 'He has all of the modern centre-back traits that you would want and he is set to start for England in the World Cup next summer,' said Steele. Advertisement That looming tournament could turn a £30 million opportunity into a £60 million battle. Timing, as ever, will be everything. 'If he is available at that cut-price deal with him only having one year left on his deal, then Liverpool would step it up,' Steele emphasised. In short, it may be now or never. Slot's Summer Vision Taking Shape There's a clear sense that Liverpool's business is calculated and holistic. They have not only replaced key full-backs but are also layering depth and leadership across all lines. With Guehi, they would be acquiring a Premier League-proven defender, a national team starter and a dressing room leader — all before his prime years. 'It would make sense if they signed him, but he isn't the only option,' Steele concluded, offering a fitting summary of the current stance. Liverpool might not yet be all-in on Guehi, but they are standing close to the table, chips in hand, waiting for the right moment to play.
