How Liverpool Beat Bayern Munich and Man City in the Race to Sign Florian Wirtz | OneFootball

Why Florian Wirtz Chose Liverpool Over Bayern Munich and Manchester City

Florian Wirtz has made the footballing world sit up and take notice. Turning down Bayern Munich and Manchester City, he has chosen Liverpool for reasons rooted in ambition, prestige and belief. While others offered riches, Liverpool offered responsibility. Reports suggest Wirtz has taken a staggering £20.4 million wage cut compared to Bayern’s offer, highlighting that this was never about money.

At just 22, Wirtz brings proven quality. His goal tally of 16 goals last season speaks volumes about what he can offer from midfield. Liverpool’s current number 10 role, currently held by Dominik Szoboszlai, is about to be redefined.

Photo: IMAGO

Why Bayern and City Missed Out

Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich pitched heritage and national pride. For a young German, that could have been irresistible. Manchester City, backed by infinite wealth, leaned on the presence of Pep Guardiola. But Wirtz saw through the glitz. Guardiola’s uncertain future and lack of personal involvement in talks raised red flags.

City’s spin suggested Wirtz was too expensive. But that never rang true. This is a club that has spent freely before. The truth, as it appears, is that Wirtz simply said no.

Slot’s Vision Wins the Day

Arne Slot was present throughout Liverpool’s talks with Wirtz and his family. He sold the dream of being central to a new project, in a club that had just won the Premier League. Wirtz would not just be part of Liverpool’s next chapter, he would help write it.

With Jeremy Frimpong also arriving, Wirtz reunites with a close friend. That will ease his transition into English football. But more importantly, Slot is giving him the keys to the number 10 role, something neither Bayern nor City could offer.

Premier League Ready and Hungry to Succeed

Forget the lazy assumptions about Wirtz not being physical enough for the Premier League. He presses from the front, runs endlessly and gives everything for the team. He will thrive in Liverpool’s aggressive, high-energy system.

This move is about legacy. Wirtz wants to test himself at the highest level, not just cash cheques. At Anfield, with the Kop behind him and a team built for brilliance, he has chosen challenge over comfort. And that is why this transfer already feels iconic.

This is an abridged version; the full article is available on our ‘It Was Always… Liverpool’ Substack page: