Liverpool are set to go head-to-head with Bayern Munich in the race to sign Florian Wirtz, who has reportedly been house-hunting in the city ahead of a potential transfer
16:09, 23 May 2025Updated 18:48, 23 May 2025
Florian Wirtz of Bayer 04 Leverkusen looks on
Liverpool's hopes of signing Florian Wirtz have received a huge boost(Image: Pau Barrena/Getty Images)
Liverpool's hopes of landing top transfer target Florian Wirtz in a sensational swoop — after Bayern Munich conceded he won't be joining the German giants this summer.
The playmaker, 22, has reportedly been spotted house hunting in the city amid the Premier League champions' interest in capturing his signature.
The Reds faced stiff competition from the Bundesliga champions to sign Wirtz if he chooses to leave Bayer Leverkusen in the the summer.
But the Liverpool Echo understands that Anfield bosses have expressed their interest to the midfielder's representatives and are now prepared to compete with other contenders for his signature.
Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz (centre) anf Liverpool's Luis Diaz (centre) battle for the ball during the UEFA Champions League, league stage match at Anfield, Liverpool
Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz is a top transfer target for the Reds(Image: PA)
And he is is believed to favour Liverpool, the Athletic reports, although they would still need to agree a deal with Leverkusen.
Article continues below
He has been strongly associated with a future move to Bayern since he first made his mark in Bayer Leverkusen's first team. But this summer, Liverpool joined the race alongside Premier League rivals Manchester City.
It seemed to be a direct contest with Bayern for the player's signature, after City surprisingly withdrew their interest due to concerns over the final cost of the deal. This leaves Wirtz with a decision to make in what is shaping up to be one of the major transfer dramas of the summer.
Florian Wirtz.
Liverpool are now favourites for Florian Wirtz, with Bayern Munich believing he favours a switch to the Reds(Image: Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)
According to German journalist Christian Falk, the Bundesliga champions had been doing everything within their power to ward off competition from the Reds.
He said direct talks were expected to resume soon with Wirtz in the Bavarian resort town of Tegernsee, which serves as the base for former influential club president Uli Hoeneß and current sporting director Max Eberl, reports the Liverpool Echo.
But Wirtz, who was named Bundesliga player of the year during Bayer Leverkusen's incredible title-winning 2023-24 campaign, is reportedly believed to now favour a move to Merseyside.
Don't miss a thing with football updates!
Want to be on the ball with all of the latest football news? Well then sign up for the brilliant Daily Star Football email newsletter!
From the latest transfer news to breaking stories, get it all in your email inbox.
How do you sign up?
It only takes a matter of seconds.
Simply click on this link, then provide your email address and that's it, job done. You'll receive an email with all of the top football stories.
You can also sign up for our sport email, Off the Ball, for all the latest darts, boxing, snooker, F1 stories and more, right here
Wirtz is one of the the most sought-after attacking talents in world football.
In the 23/24 season, he provided 18 goals and 20 assists across 49 appearances in all competitions and was named Bundesliga player of the season as Leverkusen went unbeaten domestically.
And he registered 16 goals and 15 assists in 45 games this season as Leverkusen finished second in the Bundesliga.
Florian Wirtz
Liverpool have received a boost in their bid to sign Florian Wirtz
He is under contract at Leverkusen until 2027. The club’s CEO Fernando Carro said in April that Wirtz had a “very high chance” of staying at Leverkusen.
Article continues below
Rumours have circulated that Real Madrid, soon to be managed by Wirtz's former Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, might step in as the third interested party. However, reports from Germany have downplayed these suggestions.
Liverpool are also on the brink of sealing a deal with Leverkusen for Wirtz's teammate, wing-back Jeremie Frimpong, who has completed a medical ahead of a £30m initial agreement for the summer.