There are more twists and turns ahead in the transfer poker for Florian Wirtz, it seems.
Manchester City threw a spanner in the works with their insistence on clawing back ground in talks.
To that end, the Sky Blues have produced a counteroffer to FC Bayern’s proposal for Wirtz.
However, it would now appear that another Premier League outfit is threatening to snatch the German talent out of the Bavarians’ grasp.
Liverpool held Florian Wirtz meeting
An exhausted Florian Wirtz bends over his knees.
(Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
It’s hardly the first time that Liverpool FC have been linked with a move for Florian Wirtz (22).
Now, matters have escalated: Arne Slot’s men were understood to have held a meeting with the Bayer Leverkusen star on Tuesday. This was on the same day that English top-flight rivals Man City also held negotiations with Wirtz and his family (including agent and father Hans-Joachim Wirtz).
It should be noted that a meeting between Liverpool and Wirtz was planned, as opposed to being a spur-of-the-moment event.
Of course, the Merseysiders will be keenly aware of the fact that the footballer may cost in excess of €100m [£84.2m]. Bayer Leverkusen are ultimately looking for €150m [£126.3m].
Florian Wirtz stats in 2024/25
44 appearances (3,302 minutes)
16 goals
15 assists
G/A every 106.5 minutes
Liverpool have other priorities
Whilst there’s always a space for a player with Wirtz’s unique capabilities on Merseyside, Liverpool have other clear priorities to tend to.
Chiefly amongst them, bringing in a goalscorer capable of meeting Slot’s expectations – something Darwin Nunez appears to have fallen short of.
This is worth bearing in mind ahead of what looks set to be a busy summer window for sporting director Richard Hughes.
Bayern remain confident they’ll sign Wirtz
Interest from top Premier League outfits, including the incumbent English champions, has to be taken seriously.
As things currently stand, Bayern are planning to make a bid for €100m. If Liverpool and City offer more, however, Leverkusen can put pressure on the Bavarians.
Regardless, the bosses at FC Bayern are confident that Florian Wirtz will keep his promise to the Bundesliga winners.
Bayern’s agreement covers two scenarios
Presuming that Bayern Munich can come to an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen over a fee, Vincent Kompany’s side intends for the attacking midfielder to join immediately this summer.
If not, the club is prepared to wait another year and take advantage of a potentially cut-price fee.
Of course, that’s predicated on neither Liverpool nor Manchester City finding an agreement with both player and club.
An unlikely scenario, one would have to think!
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