Florian Wirtz Begged to Make Transfer Decision as Liverpool Icon Has Demand

Florian Wirtz's blockbuster move to Liverpool has been one of the summer's biggest stories, with the German star reportedly convinced by a former teammate to snub Bayern Munich in favor of Anfield. Liverpool agreed to an initial $135 million transfer fee with Bayer Leverkusen for the 22-year-old playmaker, a deal that could shatter the British record currently held by Chelsea's £144.6 million signing of Enzo Fernandez[1]. Manchester City and Bayern Munich were also in the race, but Liverpool secured the "brightest diamond on the market."[1]

Ex-Leverkusen midfielder Robert Andrich, a childhood Bayern fan, revealed on the Spielmacher podcast that he begged Wirtz not to join Bayern last summer, urging him to seek a challenge abroad instead. Despite Bayern offering higher wages, Wirtz was swayed by Liverpool's sporting project under manager Arne Slot[2]. Andrich's intervention may have been pivotal, as Wirtz became Liverpool's first £100m+ signing and now wears the number 7 shirt[2].

Wirtz, developed into a superstar at Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso, delivered 20 goal contributions in the Bundesliga despite injuries last season[1]. At Liverpool, he fits perfectly as the long-term successor to Mohamed Salah, addressing Anfield's key question: what comes after the "Egyptian King"[1]. After a slow start—23 games for his first goal—Wirtz has exploded with three strikes in his last five outings, vindicating the club's faith amid external criticism[2].

Not everyone agrees. Ex-France star Florent Malouda warned Wirtz made the wrong decision choosing Liverpool over "on the rise" Premier League rivals like Tottenham or Newcastle, claiming a move there would be better[3]. Yet Wirtz opted for the challenge of the world's top league champions, rejecting Bundesliga dominance for Premier League glory[2]. Liverpool fans can thank Andrich if this plea proves decisive in Wirtz's Anfield legacy.

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