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Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen(Image: Jörg Schüler/Bayer 04 Leverkusen via Getty Images)

Bayern Munich chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen has aimed a sly dig at Liverpool with his club set to miss out on the signing of Florian Wirtz.

The Reds have opened talks with Bayer Leverkusen over signing Wirtz after the attacking midfielder made clear he would be open to a move to Anfield.

Bayern had considered themselves long-time favourites to sign the 22-year-old ahead of both Liverpool and Manchester City with some reports suggesting the Bundesliga side were happy to wait until next summer to make their move.

That the Bavarians are now set to miss out to Liverpool has prompted question marks in Germany over their pulling power having gained a reputation for regularly plucking leading talents from their main domestic rivals.

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But Bayern bigiwg Dreesen has defended the stature of his club and pointed to Bayern's participation in the forthcoming FIFA Club World Cup compared to those leading European clubs who aren't involved - a list that includes Liverpool.

"Much more has been written than spoken," he said, speaking to Munich news outlet TZ.

"FC Bayern is one of the absolute top clubs in Europe and the world.

But everyone knows: with FC Bayern, you can win everything every year, you're involved in every competition – the upcoming Club World Cup is a good example of that.

"Just look at which clubs are represented there – and, most of all, which (clubs) aren't.

Our appeal, sporting ambitions, and economic power are well known to all top players around the world."

Liverpool had been part of the original expanded FIFA Club World Cup in 2021 until it was scrapped due to coronavirus restrictions.

Both have been European champions six times.

Reports in Germany have suggested Bayern will now look to unsettle Liverpool with a bid for Cody Gakpo.
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