Arne Slot played a pivotal role in Florian Wirtz’s decision to turn down Bayern Munich by making it clear the German giants weren’t fully committed to pursuing him. This clarity made it easier for Wirtz to reject their offer.
While Bayern’s recent defeat to Liverpool was tough to swallow, it might ultimately work in their favor. The club has several key areas that require reinforcement beyond just the attacking midfield position.
Liverpool’s Strategic Victory in the Wirtz Transfer Battle
Bayern Munich had long been seen as the frontrunner to land Bayer Leverkusen’s star midfielder Florian Wirtz. However, Liverpool’s strategic intervention—led by new manager Arne Slot—shifted the dynamics in their favor.
Other contenders like Manchester City dropped out due to high transfer costs, while Real Madrid showed no urgency to act before summer 2026. That left the path seemingly open for Bayern—until Liverpool stepped in with a strong pitch.
According to Christian Falk (via CaughtOffside), Wirtz met with top Bayern figures—including coach Vincent Kompany and key executives—on May 18, the same day Bayern celebrated their championship. He was discreetly transported to a private suite for high-level talks.
After a short vacation to consider his options, Wirtz informed Kompany of his decision to decline. His father also contacted Bayern officials to deliver the news. A major influence was Slot’s promise of making Wirtz the central No.10 at Liverpool—unlike at Bayern, where he would’ve had to compete with Jamal Musiala. The direct conversations with Liverpool’s coaching staff played a key role in shaping his choice.
Liverpool on the Verge of a Record Signing
Liverpool has reportedly submitted a £109 million (€130 million) bid for Wirtz, which, once finalized, would mark the club’s most expensive transfer ever—surpassing the £85 million spent on Darwin Núñez. With Núñez likely to depart this summer, adding one of Europe’s most talented young midfielders is a major coup.
A Clear Statement of Intent
Liverpool’s decision to outbid Bayern and commit over £100 million for Wirtz—similar to their previous interest in Chelsea’s Moisés Caicedo—sends a powerful message. Under Arne Slot, the club is not only gearing up to defend their Premier League title (something they haven’t done since 1983/84), but also responding strongly to their disappointing Champions League exit to PSG
