Bayern Munich have issued a statement as Liverpool edge closer to completing a deal for Florian Wirtz, with chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen making a pointed comment
11:50, 28 May 2025Updated 11:53, 28 May 2025
Florian Wirtz is snubbing Bayern Munich to join Liverpool
Florian Wirtz is snubbing Bayern Munich in order to join Liverpool(Image: 2025 Pau Barrena)
Bayern Munich chief Jan-Christian Dreesen has spoken out on the Florian Wirtz transfer saga.
The attacking midfielder, 22, seemed all set to make a move from Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga giants, but Liverpool swooped in with an audacious attempt to sign the golden boy of German football, which looks to have reaped dividends and left Bayern embarrassed.
"Much more has been written than spoken," Dreesen told TZ (as reported by the Liverpool Echo). "FC Bayern is one of the absolute top clubs in Europe and the world. Our appeal among fans, but also among players, is enormous.
"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.
"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," reports the Mirror.
Jan-Christian Dreesen of FC Bayern aimed a dig at Liverpool with his comments
Jan-Christian Dreesen of FC Bayern aimed a dig at Liverpool with his comments(Image: Getty Images)
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Arne Slot's Premier League champions won't be part of the revamped Club World Cup this summer – missing out after failing to qualify for the Champions League in 2022/23, which meant they played Europa League football in 2023/24, before storming back to the top of English football this season.
Bayern bagged their spot in the upcoming Club World Cup through their UEFA four-year ranking clout. They've also nabbed this season's Bundesliga title, leaving Wirtz's current squad Bayer Leverkusen eating their dust.
Vincent Kompany's squad are set to face off against Boca Juniors, Auckland City and Benfica in their group. The opening match for them will be against the current OFC Champions League victors Auckland City on June 15.
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It's been reported that Liverpool have made an initial offer of £85m for Wirtz, which would break the club's transfer record, although it falls short of the nine-figure sum Leverkusen are said to be holding out for their star midfielder.
Earlier in the season, Manchester City and Real Madrid were rumoured to be interested in Wirtz. City considered him as a potential successor to the outgoing Kevin De Bruyne, while Madrid, now managed by Leverkusen legend Xabi Alonso, had shown interest too.
However, Liverpool now seem to be at the front of the queue. Leverkusen's head Simon Rolfes commented on the situation. He said: "It's currently an open subject with Florian. There is concrete interest from Liverpool, but there's no more to say right now. Florian is our player."