The article discusses the transfer saga revolving around Florian Wirtz and Bayern Munich, highlighting the complexities behind the scenes and the latest developments as of mid-2025.

Initially, Wirtz, a star player for Bayer Leverkusen, had agreed personally with Bayern Munich to join them in summer 2025 once the two clubs reached a transfer agreement. Wirtz made it clear that Bayern was his preferred destination, rejecting interest from other top clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester City. Although there was a verbal agreement between Wirtz, his family, and Bayern, Bayer Leverkusen's management was reluctant to sell him to a Bundesliga rival, preferring interest from foreign clubs. Leverkusen's CEO opposed a sale to Bayern, complicating negotiations despite Bayern reportedly offering around €100 million.

The transfer negotiations were further complicated by Bayer Leverkusen undergoing a period of upheaval, including the departure of their manager Xabi Alonso, leading to uncertainty about the club's plans and Wirtz's future. Bayern, aiming to build a stronger squad under coach Vincent Kompany, reportedly prepared a package of up to €250 million in total—half as transfer fee and the other half as salary over five years—making Wirtz potentially their most expensive signing ever.

However, Bayern Munich eventually lost the transfer battle. Liverpool intervened and secured Wirtz's signing in a club-record deal worth £116 million, including add-ons, and offered the German international a new five-year contract. Wirtz expressed enthusiasm about this new challenge outside the Bundesliga, eager to prove himself in the Premier League. Liverpool defeated competition from Bayern and Manchester City to sign him, marking a significant coup for the Premier League champions.

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Reflecting on these events, Bayern’s sports board member Max Eberl acknowledged that although Bayern had hoped to bring Wirtz to Munich, the player chose a different path, signifying a missed opportunity for the German champions.

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