Florian Wirtz’s Teammate Speaks Out on Imminent Liverpool Move – “I Hope its the Right Path” | OneFootball

Joshua Kimmich Backs Florian Wirtz’s Move to Liverpool Amid Transfer Saga

When Liverpool enter the transfer market with real intent, history suggests something special is brewing. The latest target of Arne Slot’s newly crowned Premier League champions is none other than Florian Wirtz, the prodigiously talented Bayer Leverkusen midfielder. And now, Germany international and Bayern Munich mainstay Joshua Kimmich has weighed in on the prospect of his compatriot joining the Reds.

Kimmich Speaks on Wirtz’s Liverpool Decision

With the summer transfer window heating up, Kimmich’s remarks while on international duty have added further intrigue to what is becoming one of the major storylines of this window. As reported by Sky Germany, Kimmich acknowledged Wirtz’s likely move to Anfield and expressed mixed feelings about the decision.

“He will have his reasons for making this decision. I hope it’s the right path for him,” Kimmich stated. “As a Bayern player, I would have naturally wanted him to come to us.”

Photo: IMAGO

Kimmich’s comments do more than merely confirm the widespread belief that Wirtz has chosen Liverpool over Bayern Munich — they suggest the decision was considered, not impulsive, and certainly not without competition.

High Stakes in Wirtz Pursuit

Liverpool’s pursuit of Florian Wirtz marks their most ambitious transfer attempt since breaking the bank for Virgil van Dijk in 2018. A second bid totalling £100 million plus £10–£12 million in add-ons has reportedly been turned down by Leverkusen, but sources suggest talks are far from over.

What makes this move significant is more than just the fee. Wirtz is a player seen as a potential generational talent, capable of defining an era at Anfield. With Slot fresh off a title-winning debut season, Liverpool are signalling that they intend to stay at the summit of English football.

Why Köln Will Also Profit

Another layer to this deal is the training compensation clause that FIFA mandates for transfers involving young players. Since Florian Wirtz developed at 1. FC Köln before his move to Bayer Leverkusen in 2020, the former club is set to benefit financially.

Under FIFA rules, five percent of the transfer fee must go to the clubs involved in the player’s development between ages 12 and 23. In Wirtz’s case, Köln stand to receive approximately €3 million — a notable windfall for a club outside the European elite.

Photo: IMAGO

It remains unclear whether Liverpool or Leverkusen will cover the training compensation, or if it will be split between both parties. Such details, while seemingly minor, often slow down big-money transfers behind the scenes.

Liverpool’s Vision and Wirtz’s Role

Assuming this saga ends with Wirtz in red, the message is clear: Arne Slot is not content with a single title. This is not just a signing for depth or potential — it’s a statement that Liverpool are building a new core around players like Wirtz, players who can dominate both domestically and in Europe.

With Kimmich’s words subtly acknowledging Wirtz’s choice, the rest of Europe may be forced to accept that Liverpool are fast becoming one of the continent’s most attractive destinations again.