Why Liverpool Have the Upper Hand Over Bayern Munich in the Florian Wirtz Pursuit

Bayer Leverkusen’s midfield prodigy Florian Wirtz has quickly become one of the most coveted talents in European football, and it’s no surprise. With 16 goals and 15 assists in just 44 appearances across all competitions, the 22-year-old is no longer just a Bundesliga gem—he’s a continental superstar. And now, a high-stakes transfer saga is unfolding, with some of Europe’s biggest clubs vying for his signature.

Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool have all expressed serious interest in the player many consider to be the long-term successor to Toni Kroos and Thomas Müller in the German national team. However, it’s Liverpool who currently seem to have the upper hand in this heated race for Wirtz’s services.

Despite Bayern’s historic pull within the Bundesliga, the Bavarian giants are facing an uphill battle. Financial constraints are hampering their ability to move quickly, with reports suggesting the club may need to offload key players like Kingsley Coman or Sacha Boey before making a concrete offer. This delay could prove fatal in their pursuit.

According to respected Bundesliga journalist Ronan Murphy, “There are countless reasons Wirtz might want Bayern, but €150 million reasons he might not.” His comments echo a growing consensus: while Bayern can offer familiarity and legacy, Liverpool can offer immediate financial clarity and a Premier League platform.

At the heart of Liverpool’s interest is new head coach Arne Slot. The Dutchman has reportedly made Wirtz one of his top priorities as he looks to reshape the Reds’ midfield. With James Milner gone, Jordan Henderson aging, and Thiago Alcântara frequently injured, the need for a creative and dynamic force in midfield has never been greater.

Interestingly, despite spending modestly since taking over at Anfield, Slot has maintained strong results. His only marquee signing last summer was Federico Chiesa, but Liverpool’s attacking threat and midfield discipline have remained intact. The addition of Wirtz, however, could elevate the club to title-winning levels once again.

What makes Liverpool even more dangerous in this transfer battle is their financial preparedness. Unlike Bayern, who are reliant on outgoing deals to balance their books, Liverpool are in a strong position to meet Leverkusen’s €150 million valuation outright. That level of financial fluidity speaks volumes to Wirtz and his camp.

Moreover, the allure of playing in the Premier League, widely considered the most competitive league in the world, is reportedly a strong factor in Wirtz’s decision-making process. Liverpool’s global brand, recent Champions League pedigree, and legendary fanbase could tip the scales.

The presence of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, Luis Díaz, and Chiesa in the attacking ranks also means Wirtz would not be burdened with carrying the team on his shoulders. Instead, he could thrive in a system designed to complement his style: freedom in possession, vertical passing lanes, and fluid attacking rotations.

What’s more, Liverpool’s recent investment in sports science and player wellness infrastructure has made them one of the most player-centric clubs in Europe. For a young talent like Wirtz, this could be pivotal in prolonging his career and managing his development carefully.

Wirtz himself has not publicly expressed a preference, but insiders suggest that talks between his agents and Liverpool have been “progressive” and “encouraging.” While nothing is official yet, the feeling within the Liverpool camp is that they are now firmly in pole position.

From a tactical standpoint, Slot is believed to envision Wirtz in a central attacking midfield role, possibly operating as a hybrid No. 8/No. 10. His vision, close control, and ability to break lines with incisive passes would inject the kind of creativity Liverpool have lacked since Philippe Coutinho’s departure.

For Bayern, the pressure is mounting. With the summer window drawing closer, their inability to move quickly could see them miss out on one of the most generational German talents in recent memory. Even Pep Guardiola, now managing Manchester City, has reportedly tried to make a personal pitch—but sources suggest Wirtz is more intrigued by the Liverpool project.

It’s worth noting that Liverpool’s long-standing German connection—previously under Jürgen Klopp—has created strong ties with Bundesliga stars and agents alike. That legacy, combined with Slot’s fresh ideas and ambition, makes Anfield an increasingly attractive destination for top talents.

While the transfer window hasn’t officially opened, the groundwork is being laid now. Should Liverpool seal the deal, it would mark a major statement of intent—a sign that under Arne Slot, the Reds aren’t just rebuilding. They’re preparing to conquer again.

As it stands, the ball is in Florian Wirtz’s court. And if recent indicators are anything to go by, he could very well be wearing Liverpool red by the start of next season. The race is on—but it looks like Liverpool are a step ahead.