Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann shared his part in impacting Florian Wirtz’s choice to sign with Liverpool ahead of next season. The managerial maestro revealed he engaged in text exchanges with the Bayer Leverkusen playmaker, who is in negotiations with Liverpool for a sensational transfer to Anfield.
With Wirtz touted as one of Bundesliga's stand-out prodigies, many anticipated him remaining in his domestic league, either staying at Leverkusen or joining the ranks at Bayern Munich.
However, revelations from Nagelsmann suggest that although family and his father-agent were involved in discussions, Wirtz sought insights from the national coach about his career trajectory.
"He texted me," said Nagelsmann to Sky Sports. "We exchanged a few messages. I tried to give him tips to the best of my knowledge and belief, but I told him I can't make the decision for him because my opinion is not necessarily the right one. The final decision is his.
"I didn't rule out any club, I just tried to explain things to him and give him tips. I'm excited to find out about his decision. We always hear that things are done. It was also said with Bayern before that it was done. Let's wait."
"You can look at it from different points of view. In the end every player has to decide for himself. It's not official, but if it's Liverpool, then it'd be a very good step because he can play in his position, a great environment, great club.
Florian Wirtz makes his way to the bench before a Bayer Leverkusen game
Liverpool looks to be leading the race for Florian Wirtz this summer (Image: Getty Images)
"Bayern wouldn't have been a bad option either. It would've been good to have them [Wirtz and Jamal Musiala] playing together, but Jamal and Flo can get on well together even if they're not at the same club.
"The most important thing is that he plays and continues to develop. If he feels that he would be better off at Liverpool, then he has to do it."
While expressing dismay over Bayern Munich missing out, Lothar Matthaus asserts firm belief in Wirtz's capabilities to thrive with Liverpool and adapt to the demands of the Premier League.
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"Personally, I also thought Florian would want to stay in Germany for the next few years. He's taking on a big challenge. It's not just a new club: it's a new mentality, a new language," Matthaus disclosed to BILD.
"But this step also shows that he's not afraid. Florian Wirtz believes in himself 100 per cent – and rightly so: I have absolute confidence in him that he'll make it at Liverpool and in the Premier League.
But this step also shows that he's not afraid. Florian Wirtz believes in himself 100 per cent – and rightly so: I have absolute confidence in him that he'll make it at Liverpool and in the Premier League.