Bayern Munich's sporting director Max Eberl has publicly countered Joshua Kimmich's remarks regarding Florian Wirtz's anticipated switch to Liverpool.
The young star favoured the English team over the Bavarian outfit. Wirtz, 22, is poised to complete his transfer from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool as the summer window reopens on Monday, marking a significant coup for the Premier League champion. It's believed Wirtz's Liverpool medical is just around the corner.
Meanwhile, Bayern is left to grapple with its disappointment and plot a new course without one of Germany's most promising talents at the helm. Bayern skipper Kimmich broke ranks to express his concern over the club's need for more firepower up front.
"You'll have to ask the club what their plans are," Kimmich stated.
"Of course, you have (a) feeling that we could do something, with Flo not coming, with Leroy (Sane) leaving, with Thomas (Muller) leaving.
"I was surprised that he (Sane) is going to Turkey, as I didn't expect that. But it's his decision, and he'll have his reasons for it."
Bayern Munich is playing in the Club World Cup
Bayern Munich is playing in the Club World Cup (Image: Getty Images)
Despite these concerns, Bayern showcased its depth by thrashing Auckland City 10-0 in its FIFA Club World Cup opener, even though Opta ranks the New Zealand side a lowly 5,074th globally.
However, the most unexpected twist came post-match when Eberl directly addressed Kimmich's comments, signalling internal discord at the German powerhouse.
"Jo is on the pitch, and I'm taking care of the stuff off the pitch," stated Eberl with candour to journalists after the game.
Liverpool's pursuit appeared to gather steam last month once Wirtz and his relatives had dialogued with Arne Slot and key figures at Anfield.
This prompted a decision by May 23 to refuse Bayern's advances despite the German team's prior confidence.
Even Bayern's attempt for a secret meeting, strategically scheduled on the day the team celebrated its Bundesliga triumph in an out-of-sight hotel rendezvous attended by notables, including boss Vincent Kompany, failed to deter Wirtz's trajectory toward Liverpool.
Both Manchester City and Real Madrid were left in Liverpool's wake, unable to sway Wirtz from his chosen path.
A hefty £100 million ($135 million) framework had been sketched early in discussions, tasking Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen with ironing out the precise figure and structuring of add-ons in the package.
After spurning initial proposals, the clubs aligned on a supplementary £16 million ($21 million), comprised of bonuses both likely to be achieved and others more challenging.
What remains now is for Wirtz to conclude his current sojourn, venture to Merseyside, and complete the final formalities of his switch to become a Liverpool star.