Bayern Munich supervisory board member Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has admitted his surprise at Florian Wirtz’s start at Liverpool, addressing scrutiny of the Wirtz Liverpool move worth up to £116m in total. Speaking to the outlet AZ, he sidestepped questions over a fresh transfer for the German playmaker while reflecting on his early struggles at Anfield.
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge surprised by Florian Wirtz’s form at Liverpool
Asked directly if he found Wirtz’s form surprising, Rummenigge said: “Honestly, yes (I am surprised).” Bayern have watched his adaptation to the Premier League closely from Munich, given how close he once came to joining them instead of moving to Anfield.
Under Arne Slot last season, Wirtz scored seven goals and set up eight more from 49 appearances. Numbers that made him one of Liverpool’s most productive attacking signings. Under head coach Andoni Iraola, though, he has managed just one assist in six games, a sharp drop that has fuelled the debate Rummenigge was responding to.
Bayern chief details missed Florian Wirtz transfer and Arne Slot promise
Rummenigge also gave his clearest account yet of why Bayern missed out on Wirtz.
According to Rummenigge, Bayern believed Wirtz chose Liverpool because of Arne Slot. The Liverpool manager had reportedly promised him the No. 10 role he held at Bayer Leverkusen.
He explained:
“We were given the impression that he was going to Liverpool because the manager at the time, Arne Slot, had promised him the No. 10 position, which he had also played at Leverkusen.”
Rummenigge said the decision was not simply about money.
“That was an important factor in his decision to choose Liverpool. Financially, there were no dramatic differences. He made his decision, and we accepted it.”
He also revealed that Bayern had spoken with Wirtz’s parents before the move.
“The question is whether Wirtz is happy at Liverpool. I can’t judge that. Uli [Hoeness] and I were in contact with his father and mother for a while. Then they made a different decision, and we respected that.”
Rummenigge was then asked whether Bayern could revisit a deal for Wirtz. His response was brief.
“First of all, that’s not my job.”
Our previous Bayern Munich transfer rumours have tracked the German club’s long-standing interest in Wirtz.
They also cover the reported Bayern-Liverpool speculation that followed his move to Anfield.
Florian Wirtz tactical role under Andoni Iraola and Liverpool squad impact
Rummenigge made clear Bayern have no urgent need to reopen talks, pointing to their existing options in Wirtz’s position. “You mustn’t forget that Jamal Musiala and Serge Gnabry play in that position, and there are other options such as Ismael Saibari.”
He added that a fresh move would carry too high a price given Bayern’s current squad depth: “There’s no need to buy a fourth player for the amount of money Wirtz would probably cost.”
At Liverpool, the picture around Wirtz has shifted since Iraola replaced Slot as head coach. The playmaker built his early reputation on creativity through the middle. However, his output under Iraola has yet to match that form, with only one assist to show from six appearances. How Iraola settles his most creative players, Wirtz included, is one of the bigger questions facing Liverpool this season. Squad news elsewhere at the club, including the confirmed team news at Bournemouth, gives a sense of how Iraola is currently setting up his side.
Anfield Timeline and Florian Wirtz Focus Under Andoni Iraola
For now, Rummenigge has ruled out any renewed approach, and his comments give little indication that Bayern expect the Wirtz Liverpool story to move in a new direction soon. Full details of his remarks were first reported by the Liverpool Echo report.
Rummenigge did leave the door open to reflection rather than action, saying, “That’s why I say every step a player takes is something he has to think through carefully beforehand.” Whether something else could still be possible at some point? I don’t know.” For Liverpool, the immediate focus stays on getting the best from Wirtz under Iraola. Each fixture offers fresh evidence of how the pairing is developing.
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