Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich has revealed feelings of disappointment in the Bayern dressing room amid reports that Liverpool are edging closer to clinching a deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s star Florian Wirtz.
The Reds, who are deeply engaged in discussions with Leverkusen, could potentially break their transfer record with a move for the German sensation.
Liverpool's audacious £109million bid was knocked back last Friday but the Merseyside club is adamant about striking a deal for the 22 year old talent. Both sides are keen on a speedy resolution, though as of Monday, they have not found common ground.
Wirtz's name leapt into the headlines for Liverpool fans last month when it emerged that the Anfield outfit had outmanoeuvred Bundesliga heavyweights and Manchester City in the race for the midfielder. His current focus shifts to international duty with Germany against Portugal in the Nations League playoff semi-final.
However, with attention glued on the unfolding saga, Kimmich faced inquiries regarding the Wirtz speculation ahead of Tuesday's crucial match for Germany. Grappling with the prospect of losing out on the talented player, the 30 year old Bayern star candidly expressed his desire for Wirtz to make the move to Munich instead.
"He will have his reasons for making this decision," Kimmich said, tentatively voicing hope for Wirtz's future: "I hope it's the right path for him."
"As a Bayern player, I would have naturally wanted him to come to us."
Bayern Munich's pursuit of Leverkusen's maestro Wirtz made headlines as they reclaimed their crown in the Bundesliga. However, the tides shifted towards the end of last month, with Liverpool edging past Bayern to dismay and frustration across Bavaria.
Bayern chief Herbert Hainer found himself reluctantly confirming the setback in their recruitment ambitions, saying: "Max Eberl (Bayern director of sport) informed me that Florian Wirtz is probably leaning towards Liverpool."
The Bayern President could not offer clarity on the developments with Leverkusen, admitting: "I can't say how things will transpire with Leverkusen."
Earlier, there had been murmurs of certainty amongst the Bayern ranks about poaching Wirtz from under their rivals’ noses, with rumoured pre-agreements fuelling anticipation.
However, once the Bavarians secured the league title, comments from Uli Hoeness put matters into perspective: "These are things that are so typical of the state of our media, that they take such nonsense as a small trip so seriously."
Hoeness voiced his bemusement over the media whirlwind: "What can I tell you now? You've been writing nonsense for weeks about him going to Manchester City, even though he was at Liverpool."
The Bayern magnate promised concrete updates rather than feeding the rumour mill: "We'll provide you with facts at some point, not more speculation."
This article originally appeared via the Liverpool Echo.