Florian Wirtz’s Transfer Saga: A Missed Opportunity for Manchester City and a Win for Liverpool
Contrary to popular belief, Manchester City did not turn down Florian Wirtz; rather, the talented playmaker chose to reject their offer. Pep Guardiola’s club was not the destination for Wirtz, who has now set his sights on a move to Liverpool, with the Reds emerging as the frontrunners in the race for his signature.
The 22-year-old midfielder is poised to make a high-profile switch from Bayer Leverkusen to Anfield, with reports indicating that Liverpool have made a bid exceeding €100 million to secure his services. Wirtz has reportedly agreed to personal terms, paving the way for a potential transfer that could reshape the Reds’ midfield lineup.
Latest Developments in the Wirtz Deal
Renowned transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano has provided insights into the ongoing negotiations, revealing that Bayer Leverkusen are actively discussing performance bonuses and other contractual details with Liverpool. Romano emphasized that the deal is progressing smoothly, with negotiations focused on finalizing the terms.
On his YouTube channel, Romano stated: “Liverpool are currently working on completing the Florian Wirtz deal. The agreement with the player has been reached, and discussions with Bayer Leverkusen are ongoing. They are now fine-tuning the bonus structure and other specifics of the deal. It’s clear that Liverpool are eager to finalize this transfer, and it shouldn’t take much longer.”
He added, “My expectation remains that Wirtz will soon be a Liverpool player, and the deal is likely to be completed in the near future.”
Manchester City’s Initial Interest and the Cost Implications
Earlier this month, reports suggested that Manchester City had identified Wirtz as their top transfer target. However, the escalating costs associated with acquiring the young star led City to withdraw from the pursuit. It was estimated that a deal could have cost City upwards of €300 million, factoring in transfer fees and wages, making it one of the most expensive signings in their history.
Despite their interest, City appeared hesitant to meet the inflated valuation, even though Wirtz is widely regarded as one of Europe’s brightest young talents, with significant potential for growth and impact.
Wirtz’s Preference: Liverpool Over Manchester City
Contradicting earlier reports, German outlet Bild has clarified that Wirtz’s decision was a close call between Manchester City and Liverpool. The player was particularly influenced by the coaching staff and the club environment, with discussions with Liverpool’s coaching team playing a decisive role.
Wirtz was reportedly attracted to Liverpool due to Jurgen Klopp’s enthusiasm and the unique atmosphere at Anfield, which he found more appealing than the prospects at City. His conversations with Guardiola, on the other hand, left him uncertain about whether he would fulfill his contract until 2027, which contributed to his decision to cancel negotiations with City.
The report emphasizes that Wirtz’s cancellation of talks with City was a personal choice, driven by his preference for Liverpool’s project and environment.
Other Clubs in the Race and Bayern Munich’s Position
While Bayern Munich was also considered a potential destination for Wirtz, Bild reports that the player was never fully convinced by their approach. Unlike Liverpool and City, Bayern’s offer lacked clarity regarding his role within the squad, especially considering the presence of Jamal Musiala, which created uncertainty about his playing time.
FC Bayern’s CEO, Jan-Christian Dreesen, addressed the club’s stance following Wirtz’s decision, highlighting Bayern’s stature in European football. He stated: “Bayern is one of the top clubs globally, with a massive appeal among fans and players alike. Not every player will choose us, but our reputation, ambitions, and financial strength remain unmatched. We compete at the highest level, as seen in the upcoming Club World Cup, where only the best European clubs participate, including Bayern.”
Despite missing out on Wirtz, Bayern continues to be a dominant force in European football, emphasizing their ongoing pursuit of top talent and competitive success.
