In a transfer window already buzzing with surprises, Liverpool have now stolen the spotlight with a jaw-dropping swoop for German star Florian Wirtz.
And the most dramatic twist? Bayern Munich’s own sporting director essentially admitted they couldn’t compete—just hours before the deal was done.
Bayern Admits Defeat Before Deal is Finalized
It’s not often you see a club like Bayern Munich hold up their hands and step aside, but that’s exactly what happened this week.
Max Eberl, Bayern’s sporting director, openly said the club simply couldn’t afford to pay what Liverpool were offering for Wirtz.
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.
Florian Wirtz is an outstanding player. We could have imagined signing him. But when one door closes, another opens.”
That candid confession came just hours before Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen finalized the eye-watering £116 million agreement—£100 million up front and another £16 million in performance-related bonuses.
Conflicting Reports on Bayern’s Willingness to Spend
Eberl’s comments came as a surprise to many, especially since German newspaper Bild had previously reported that Bayern were prepared to offer Wirtz a more lucrative wage package than Liverpool.
But when it came to the actual transfer fee, Bayern just couldn’t match the numbers being thrown around by Premier League giants.
In the end, Liverpool didn’t meet Leverkusen’s full £126 million asking price, but they still shattered the British transfer record—previously held by Chelsea’s £115 million purchase of Moises Caicedo from Brighton in 2023.
Man City Drop Out, Liverpool Go All-In
Liverpool weren’t the only ones interested in Wirtz. Manchester City had also been in the race earlier this summer, but backed out due to the escalating price tag.
That cleared the path for Liverpool to press ahead without too much late competition.
The Reds’ aggressive pursuit shows they’re serious about rebuilding under new manager Arne Slot—and willing to spend big to do it.
Not Liverpool’s First Deal With Leverkusen This Window
Wirtz isn’t the only player making the switch from Leverkusen to Anfield this summer.
Liverpool have already signed Jeremie Frimpong for £29.5 million, and they’re expected to wrap up another deal soon for Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth.
The club isn’t done shopping either—they’re still eyeing reinforcements in attack and central defence before the window closes.
Slot’s Vision and Wirtz’s Role
Germany international Wirtz is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most creative and intelligent playmakers.
He’s already had discussions with Arne Slot about his role in the squad, and the Dutch manager has laid out a clear plan for how he’ll fit into the system.
It’s a major vote of confidence for both the manager and the player—and a clear signal that Liverpool are planning for a serious title challenge.
