The Premier League’s financial muscle is on full display as Liverpool pushes hard to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s young star Florian Wirtz.
The transfer saga is heating up, with Bayern Munich stepping back and effectively handing the Reds the green light — admitting they just can’t match Liverpool’s financial power.
Bayern Munich Steps Aside in Wirtz Pursuit
Max Eberl, Bayern Munich’s sporting director, recently made it clear that while Bayern had an interest in Florian Wirtz, competing with Liverpool’s money wasn’t realistic.
Speaking to Sky Germany, Eberl said, “If I’m honest, I don’t know if we could have paid what Liverpool are apparently paying now.”
He praised Wirtz as an outstanding player and acknowledged Bayern could have considered signing him.
But with the financial gap so wide, he said, “When a door closes, another opens,” signaling Bayern’s decision to back away from the deal.
Liverpool’s Offer and Leverkusen’s Expectations
Liverpool has reportedly made a third bid for Wirtz, valued at £100 million upfront, plus £14 million in add-ons.
Leverkusen’s ideal figure is closer to £126 million, so negotiations continue over whether Liverpool can boost the bonus payments.
Though the German club hasn’t flat-out rejected Liverpool’s offer, they remain firm on their valuation.
Liverpool, meanwhile, has been clear they won’t meet the full £126 million asking price but are eager to find a compromise.
Wirtz’s Preferred Destination Seems Clear
There are strong signs that Florian Wirtz himself wants the move to Liverpool.
German newspaper Bild reported that Wirtz’s father contacted Bayern to say his son’s future lies at Anfield.
This adds another layer to the unfolding transfer drama and may explain Bayern’s retreat.
Interestingly, Bild also suggested Bayern could have offered Wirtz a better salary than Liverpool.
But in today’s football world, salary isn’t the only deciding factor — transfer fees and the chance to play in the Premier League also weigh heavily.
Liverpool’s Record-Breaking Ambitions
If Liverpool’s deal for Wirtz surpasses the £115 million Chelsea paid Brighton for Moises Caicedo in 2023, it will set a new British transfer record.
Meanwhile, Manchester City, once interested, have stepped away, deterred by the skyrocketing costs.
Liverpool isn’t stopping with Wirtz either — they’ve already secured Jeremie Frimpong from Leverkusen for £29.5 million and are working to sign Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth. Their summer plan includes bolstering both attack and defense to build a stronger squad.
A Key Playmaker for Arne Slot’s Side
Florian Wirtz, only 22, is widely regarded as one of Europe’s finest young playmakers.
He’s already been in detailed discussions with Liverpool manager Arne Slot about how he fits into the team’s tactics and future plans.
If this transfer goes through, Wirtz could become a central figure in Liverpool’s push for silverware next season, bringing creativity and flair to a side hungry for success.