Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer has acknowledged that Bayer Leverkusen talent Florian Wirtz is likely to move to Liverpool this summer.
Wirtz has attracted significant transfer attention after proving himself as one of Europe’s top playmakers while at Leverkusen
The Germany international was instrumental in the club’s double-winning 2023-24 season, scoring 18 goals and providing 20 assists in 49 games across all competitions.
Although Leverkusen didn’t secure any trophies in 2024-25, Wirtz continued to impress with 16 goals and 15 assists in 45 competitive matches.
Now, the German club is preparing for the likely exit of their top player, following the departure of head coach Xabi Alonso, who is set to join Real Madrid.
Manchester City was reportedly interested in Wirtz but recently withdrew from the race because of the high transfer cost.
This left the competition mainly between German champions Bayern Munich and Premier League winners Liverpool.
On Friday, it was revealed that Liverpool are eager to finalize a deal for Wirtz, who prefers joining Arne Slot’s team over Bayern this summer.
Hainer has now confirmed that Bayern are expected to lose out, with Wirtz likely to complete a move to Liverpool.
On Friday, it became clear that Liverpool are eager to secure a deal for Wirtz, as he reportedly prefers to join Arne Slot’s team instead of moving to Bayern this summer.
Bayern president Herbert Hainer has now admitted that Bayern are likely to lose out on Wirtz, with the player expected to transfer to Liverpool.
“Max Eberl, Bayern’s sporting director, told me that Florian Wirtz is probably favoring Liverpool,” Hainer told reporters.
“I can’t say how negotiations with Leverkusen will unfold.”
Bayern shocked by Wirtz’s choice
German media outlet Bild reports that Bayern were “completely surprised” by Wirtz’s decision to join Liverpool this summer.
The report states that Bayern were confident they would sign him and were prepared to make the biggest transfer in the club’s history.
Wirtz’s father, Hans-Joachim Wirtz, informed Bayern officials Uli Hoeness and Max Eberl on Friday that his son is eager to challenge himself in a new league.
From Bayern’s viewpoint, they expected Wirtz to remain in Germany for another three to four years before making a move abroad.
Although Liverpool currently lead the race, they still have to negotiate the terms of the deal with Leverkusen.
Leverkusen reportedly want £126 million to let go of the player, who is contracted until the summer of 2027.
