Joshua Kimmich admitted that it was only natural that he wanted Florian Wirtz to join Bayern Munich, but wished his compatriot the best ahead of his anticipated transfer to Liverpool.
Bayern and Liverpool were locked in a battle to sign Wirtz until it emerged last month that the Germany international had decided that he wanted to move to Anfield.
That decision came as a major blow to the pride of Bayern, which is used to hoovering up all the best talent in Germany. Kimmich is currently on international duty with Wirtz ahead of the Nations League Final Four, and he was asked about Wirtz's decision to join Liverpool.
“He will have his reasons for making this decision," Kimmich said. "I hope it’s the right path for him. As a Bayern player, I would have naturally wanted him to come to us."
Liverpool’s hopes of signing Wirtz remain strong, despite the Reds seeing a second bid turned down for the Leverkusen star on Sunday.
An offer of €130 million (S149 million) was reportedly lodged last week, but that fell short of the €150 million ($171 million) asking price set by Leverkusen.
Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen
Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen (Image: Jürgen Fromme - firo sportphoto/Getty Images)
German outlet Kicker has since claimed the Reds will either have to respond with an improved financial package or offer a player as a makeweight to help subsidize the cost.
Liverpool is believed to be willing to pay up to €150 million ($171 million) for Wirtz and negotiations between the two clubs are ongoing.
Arne Slot's attack is in the process of being reshaped ahead of next season, with several sales expected alongside the anticipated signing of Wirtz.
Regarding outgoings, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota could both leave. Nunez has spent three underwhelming seasons at Anfield, while Jota's sketchy injury record makes him vulnerable.
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Luis Diaz is perpetually linked with a move to Barcelona, and Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr has also emerged as an interested party.
Al-Nassr is on the lookout for a new forward as it prepares for life after Cristiano Ronaldo, who appears to have played his last game for the club ahead of the expiry of his contract at the end of June.
Federico Chiesa's Liverpool future is also far from certain after he started just two games across the Premier League and Champions League this season, both of which were effectively meaningless.