Revealed: Why Florian Wirtz Chose to Sign for Liverpool Over Bayern Munich | OneFootball

Florian Wirtz: Why Liverpool Move Won Over Bayern Munich

Florian Wirtz’s father and agent, Hans-Joachim Wirtz, has explained why the German playmaker chose Liverpool over Bayern Munich this summer.

Last month, Liverpool secured the signature of Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth £116 million, setting a new club record. The agreement includes £100 million guaranteed, with a further £16 million in add-ons. If all conditions are met, it would also become the British transfer record, surpassing Chelsea’s £107 million move for Enzo Fernandez in 2023.

Liverpool’s Ambition Captures Wirtz’s Attention

Wirtz, now 22, arrives at Anfield after an outstanding spell at Leverkusen, where he made 197 appearances and scored 57 goals. His contributions were key in Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga title win in the 2023/24 season.

Following his transfer, Wirtz spoke about his motivation to join the Premier League champions under Arne Slot.

“I would like to win everything every year. First of all, we have to do our work,” Wirtz said after completing his move.

“Last season they won the Premier League so my goal is for sure to win it again and also to go further in the Champions League. I’m really ambitious.

“I’m really excited to have a new adventure in front of me. This was also a big point of my thoughts: that I want to have something completely new, to go out of the Bundesliga and to join the Premier League.

“I will see how I can perform there. I hope I can do my best.

“I spoke also with some players who played there and they told me that it’s perfect for me and every pitch is perfect, you can enjoy every game. I’m really looking forward to playing my first game.”

X: @LFC

Arne Slot’s Influence Was Key

Liverpool were not the only club keen on Wirtz, with Manchester City and Bayern Munich both expressing strong interest. City eventually turned to Rayan Cherki from Lyon, but Bayern remained in the hunt, especially after Jamal Musiala’s serious leg injury at the Club World Cup.

Hans-Joachim Wirtz revealed that the Liverpool manager played a decisive role in shaping his son’s decision.

“Arne Slot was able to convince Florian personally. He’s also a very pleasant person,” Wirtz said.

“Arne Slot presented his playing philosophy, the team tactics in possession and pressing, and how Florian can develop his strengths in these areas. That made a decisive impression on Florian.”

Bayern Munich’s Efforts Fell Just Short

Despite Bayern’s determined pursuit, the decision ultimately came down to subtle factors.

“Vincent Kompany also had very good thoughts and ideas about how he wanted to integrate Florian into the Bayern Munich team,” Hans-Joachim Wirtz added.

“In the end, it was nuances that ultimately influenced the decision, which had to do with the different sporting situations and the role for Florian.

“And financially, there were no major differences between the two clubs anyway. Once again: Bayern Munich really tried hard, but a decision had to be made.”

Hans-Joachim Wirtz also shared details of his final discussion with Bayern president Uli Hoeneß.

“We had spoken several times before, so he was as objective and fair as I had come to know him. But of course he couldn’t hide his disappointment. After all, he had personally put a lot of effort into this transfer.”

With Liverpool now preparing for the new season, the arrival of Florian Wirtz signals their intent to build on last year’s success and challenge for honours at home and in Europe.