Liverpool are set to go head-to-head with Bayern Munich for the signature of Florian Wirtz, who has been tipped to leave Bayer Leverkusen in the summer transfer window
09:51, 20 May 2025
Florian Wirtz of Bayer 04 Leverkusen enters the pitch prior to the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and SV Werder Bremen at the BayArena on March 08, 2025 in Leverkusen, Germany.
Florian Wirtz could be closing in on a dream move to England's most successful football club Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool's Premier League rivals Manchester City have seemingly conceded defeat in the race to sign Florian Wirtz.
It remains uncertain whether Arne Slot's Premier League champions will continue their chase for the attacking midfield prodigy - the golden boy of German football who led Leverkusen to their first ever Bundesliga title - or follow in City's footsteps.
On face value, Pep Guardiola's side bowing out - reportedly due to baulking at the financial implications of the deal considering wages and add-ons alongside a potential £125m fee - could pave the way for Liverpool to persuade their target to join them.
However, a more ominous possibility is that this latest twist stems from a belief that the 22-year-old will opt to stay in Germany, potentially signing for Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. Here's all the latest transfer news from Anfield.
The current situation with Wirtz
Florian Wirtz in action for Bayer Leverkusen
Florian Wirtz in action for Bayer Leverkusen(Image: Getty Images)
Echoing similar reports from The Times and The Telegraph following the Manchester City development, Liverpool plan to remain in what has now become a direct tug-of-war with Bayern Munich for Wirtz's signature.
Article continues below
As was the case last week when interest first surfaced, the Reds are determined to battle for the German star as long as he hasn't decided to take his career in a different direction.
A third option mentioned is that he might decide to stick with Leverkusen for the 2025/26 season. This choice would see him entering the final year of his contract at the BayArena next summer.
However, Bayern Munich director Uli Hoeness confirmed to media in Germany that Wirtz had met with Liverpool, meaning his transfer to England's most successful football club is a distinct possibility.
Frimpong verdict
Jeremie Frimpong of Bayer Leverkusen
Jeremie Frimpong of Bayer Leverkusen(Image: Getty Images)
Ex-Reds midfielder Joe Cole has weighed in on Wirtz's Leverkusen team-mate Jeremie Frimpong, who looks set to be the first confirmed signing of the summer.
"I wouldn't say Jeremie Frimpong and Trent Alexander-Arnold are the same calibre, because I think Frimpong is a fantastic footballer.
"But he's still got a long journey to go if he wants to match what Trent has done in his career," was Cole's take for Paddy Power.
"It's an intriguing move as he brings different qualities than Trent – he's an overlapper, he runs and dribbles well. Essentially, he's a winger playing full-back, and he's a cracking lad.
Article continues below
"He fits Liverpool like a glove, and with Mo Salah ageing as well, having fresh legs around him will be even more crucial. I wouldn't expect anything less from Liverpool – it's a brilliant move."
Frimpong has jetted into Liverpool for a medical, with the club poised to cough up his £30m release clause.