LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 10: Florian Wirtz of Leverkusen looks on during the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund at BayArena on May 10, 2025 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by J??rg Sch??ler/Bayer 04 Leverkusen via Getty Images)
Florian Wirtz has been making preparations ahead of a potential move to Liverpool (Getty)
Liverpool are leading the race to sign Florian Wirtz as Bayern Munich believe that the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder prefers a move to Anfield, according to reports.
The 22-year-old has established himself as one of the most in-demand midfielders ahead of the summer transfer window following his impressive performances for Leverkusen.
Liverpool and Bayern have also faced competition from Manchester City before Pep Guardiola’s side pulled out of the running due to the potential costs of the deal.
Reports in Germany had claimed earlier this month that Wirtz had verbally agreed to join Bayern, although the Bundesliga champions still had the major obstacle of reaching an agreement over a fee with Leverkusen.
However, The Athletic reports that Wirtz’s stance has now changed with the Germany international favouring a move to Liverpool.
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The report adds that Wirtz and his family have visited the north west of England to look for houses.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen v FC Augsburg - Bundesliga
Florian Wirtz has been a key figure under Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen (Getty)
Bayern are also said to be resigned to the belief that Wirtz is ‘on track’ to join Liverpool if they manage to reach an agreement over a transfer fee.
Leverkusen are in a strong negotiating position this summer as Wirtz still has two years remaining on his contract and the Bundesliga club are holding out for a deal worth €150 million (£126.8m).
It’s understood that Bayern were willing to offer a package worth package worth €100m (£84.5m) for Wirtz, who has 57 goals and 65 assists in 197 appearances for Leverkusen.
Leverkusen are already losing one of their key players to Liverpool this summer as Jeremie Frimpong completed his medical this week ahead of his €35m (£29.5m) move to Anfield.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are also pushing ahead in their bid to sign Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez.
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