Liverpool hold a strong interest in Florian Wirtz but must see off Bayern Munich for the German's transfer
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Florian Wirtz of Bayer 04 Leverkusen looks on
Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen(Image: Pau Barrena/Getty Images)
Liverpool transfer target Florian Wirtz has reportedly been househunting in the city following the club's interest in signing him this summer, although his next round of meetings ahead of a potential move are said to be with Bayern Munich. The ECHO understands Anfield chiefs have established their position of interest with the midfielder's representatives and are now ready to go toe-to-toe with challengers for his signature.
The German playmaker has strongly been linked with a future move to Bayern ever since breaking into the first-team picture at Bayer Leverkusen. But, this summer, Liverpool also entered the race along with Premier League rivals Manchester City.
It now appears to be a straight battle with Bayern for the player's signature, however, after City sensationally cooled their interest amid concerns over how much he deal would end up costing. That leaves Wirtz with a decision to make in what is shaping up to be one of the big transfer sagas of the summer.
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Now, according the Christian Falk, the Bundesliga champions are said to be doing all within their power to fend off the competition from the Reds. He says direct discussions are expected to soon continue with Wirtz in the Bavarian resort town of Tegernsee, which is the base of operations for former influential club president Uli Hoeneß and current sporting director Max Eberl.
Still in the belief that they have the player's word to join either this summer or next year, their goal is to 'gain some ground' with Wirtz's father and agent, Hans-Joachim, and strike an agreement.
However, what Bayern have evidently not accounted for is how strongly Liverpool would be in pursuit.
Falk labels the fellow suitors as being in a slight state of 'fear' of the challenge presented by Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes in tempting the No.10 to join Arne Slot's project.
With an asking price of €150m (£126m) set by Leverkusen, it is finally pointed out that Bayern will not be able to match this, therefore Liverpool have the 'clear' chance to advance ahead in the race by committing to a fee closer to this valuation.
Writing on CF Bayern Insider, Falk said: "Bayern Munich still believe they have the Wirtz family’s word that he will join Bayern in 2025 or 2026. But now, there is a bit of fear inside the club around Liverpool, because they didn’t think that the Reds would commit to the transfer fee, as it’s a lot of money.
"They had an idea a couple of summers ago for Moises Caicedo (with a £111m bid), but this didn’t work out. We heard that Florian was already househunting in Liverpool. The family is playing this transfer game quite openly; they’re telling Bayern what they’re doing with Liverpool, and they’re telling Liverpool what they’re doing with Bayern Munich. That’s perhaps why the BBC had the information about a meeting between Florian Wirtz and Bayern in Munich."
He then adds that Bayern are set to hold talks with Wirtz soon.
"This is what will happen soon with Bayern – the club will hold a meeting at the Tegernsee.," Falk added. "Uli Hoeneß has a house here. Here, they want to make a deal with the family. They’re hoping to gain some ground with the father (and agent), Hans-Joachim, who is nearly the same age as Hoeneß. His generation certainly admires Hoeneß, so this is a big chance for Bayern. Max Eberl also lives in the Tegernsee. They want to stop the efforts of Liverpool and complete the deal.
"However, with Michael Edwards and Co. making the trip to Boston to see key FSG chiefs and discuss the deal, it’s not going to get easier for Bayern. It’s €150m Leverkusen are demanding for Florian Wirtz. Bayern won’t pay this, so that’s the chance for Liverpool to steal a march in the transfer poker by getting closer to this transfer fee."
For now, with a decision yet to be made by Wirtz, it is claimed his camp are being open in their discussions with each interested party, informing the other of any progress made.
It has been speculated that Real Madrid, soon to have Wirtz's former Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso installed as new manager, will enter in their place as the third interested club, though this latest report from Germany has played down those suggestions.
Liverpool are also not far away from finalising a deal with Leverkusen for wing-back teammate Jeremie Frimpong, who has undergone a medical ahead of a £30m first agreement of the summer.