Image Credits: Imago Images
Florian Wirtz’s summer transfer to Liverpool was one of the most talked-about deals of 2025.
The German playmaker, fresh off a stellar campaign with Bayer Leverkusen, drew serious interest from Europe’s elite—most notably Bayern Munich, who made no secret of their desire to bring him to Bavaria
For months, Bayern appeared confident they could land Wirtz, holding meetings with the player and publicly expressing their admiration.
However, Liverpool moved decisively, eventually agreeing a British record fee of £116 million—comprising £100 million upfront plus £16 million in add-ons—to secure his signature ahead of Bayern and Manchester City.
At the time, widespread reports cited Florian Wirtz’s desire to try someone new and challenge himself in a new environment, as well as the allure of Liverpool’s sporting project as being his main motivators for the switch.
However, Bayern sporting director Max Eberl, speaking in an interview with SportBILD (via Sport Witness) has insinuated that Wirtz’s desire for the No.10 shirt in Bavaria was also a factor:
“We made it clear in all our discussions that we would have loved to have him at Bayern Munich.”
“He would have been a great fit for us. Florian then chose Liverpool. I wish him the best of luck in representing German football in the Premier League.”
“Shirt numbers are an important topic for players.”
“However, the number 10 he wanted had already been promised to Jamal Musiala. We were completely transparent about that as well.”
Despite reports suggesting Florian Wirtz at the time that he wanted Liverpool’s No.10 shirt, the midfielder publicly denied those claims on Instagram.
Eberl’s comments seem more an effort to frame Bayern’s actions in a favorable light after their very public failure to land Wirtz in the summer.
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