Bayern Munich's top executive Jan-Christian Dreesen has highlighted the club's qualification for the Club World Cup to underscore their standing in world football amidst rumours of Florian Wirtz's change of heart over a transfer, with Liverpool now in the frame.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot faces the bitter remembrance of missing out on the Club World Cup due to the team's recent European challenges. The Reds would have secured their place in the tournament had they triumphed over Real Madrid in last year's Champions League final.
Dreesen, speaking to TZ as reported by the ECHO, commented on the prestigious German club's allure: "Much more has been written than spoken," he said. "FC Bayern is one of the absolute top clubs in Europe and the world. Our appeal among fans, but also among players, is enormous."
Further boasting about Bayern's status, Dreesen continued: "The fact that not every player will end up with us is simply part of the package; it's the same for other top clubs. But everyone knows: with FC Bayern, you can win everything every year, you're involved in every competition – the upcoming Club World Cup is a good example of that."
He then highlighted Bayern's distinguished competitors in the Club World Cup: "Just look at which clubs are represented there – and, most of all, which (clubs) aren't. The best European clubs are competing there – including FC Bayern. Our appeal, sporting ambitions, and economic power are well known to all top players around the world."
As victors of this season's Bundesliga, Bayern Munich stamped their ticket to theClub World Cup, leaving Wirtz’s Bayer Leverkusen behind them in the league standings.
Vincent Kompany's team is set to face a thrilling trio in their group, including Boca Juniors, Auckland City and Benfica. They'll kick off the action against Auckland City, the current OFC Champions League titleholders, on June 15.
In transfer news, Liverpool have reportedly made an £85 million offer for Leverkusen's star Wirtz, which would break the club's transfer record but still falls short of the German club's desired amount. Manchester City and Real Madrid had shown interest in Wirtz as a potential replacement for Kevin De Bruyne and following Xabi Alonso's appointment at Madrid, respectively.
However, Liverpool seems to be in pole position.
Leverkusen's sporting director Simon Rolfes commented on the situation: "It's currently an open subject with Florian," adding, "There is concrete interest from Liverpool, but there's no more to say right now. Florian is our player."