Florian Wirtz leaning towards Liverpool - Bayern Munich

Liverpool have emerged victorious in the pursuit of Florian Wirtz, with Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer conceding defeat.

The 22-year-old has decided to leave the Bundesliga and is poised to join Liverpool in a club-record transfer to Anfield.

Wirtz has been a standout performer for Bayer Leverkusen in recent seasons, netting 16 goals and providing 15 assists this term.

Having established himself as a key figure for both club and country, he impressed notably at Euro 2024.

After five years at Leverkusen, where he played a vital role in their Bundesliga campaign during the 2023-24 season, the Germany international is eager for a new challenge.

Bayern Munich had pursued the midfielder for nearly two years and were confident he preferred a move to Munich.

However, this week, Wirtz’s father and agent, Hans-Joachim, informed Bayern’s leadership that the young talent would be heading elsewhere.

Wirtz is poised to join Liverpool in a club-record transfer to Anfield

Bayern president Hainer declared: “Max Eberl [sporting director] informed me that Florian Wirtz is probably leaning towards Liverpool.”

In Germany, it is claimed that the 29-cap German star – arguably the Bundesliga’s best player over the last two seasons – is seeking a new challenge.

However, Bayern Munich are said to have mishandled their pursuit, allowing Liverpool to swoop in.

Die Roten have been keen on signing Wirtz for some time, but it is believed the player’s camp has grown frustrated with their approach in recent months, viewing it as disrespectful to Leverkusen, where the Wirtz family, unsurprisingly, maintain a strong relationship.

Recent reports in the German media suggesting that if Leverkusen stood firm on their £120million asking price, Bayern would simply wait and sign Wirtz for cheaper in 2026, have not been well received.