“Bayern Must Be Ready!”: Is Wirtz the Key to Champions League Triumph? | OneFootball

Florian Wirtz and FC Bayern—even though the German national team player has been playing for Liverpool FC since 2025, the topic still hasn’t completely faded from the conversation in Munich. After a difficult first season, things aren’t going as hoped for the former Leverkusen player in his second year at Anfield Road either.

Walter M. Straten, deputy sports editor-in-chief at BILD, is therefore suggesting a new push for Bayern. In an opinion piece on the record champion’s long-term roster planning, he urges the Munich club to closely monitor the offensive player’s situation.

The 2028 Champions League final is also a factor. After Bayern lost the 2012 final to Chelsea in their own stadium and missed out on the 2025 final in Munich, the third attempt must absolutely be more successful.

“If things don’t work out with Wirtz in the second season either, Bayern should be ready,” writes Straten.

Wirtz remains a topic of discussion at Bayern

Even before his move to Liverpool, Wirtz was considered Bayern Munich’s top transfer target. Uli Hoeneß, in particular, had publicly advocated for signing him. In the end, however, the national team player decided against Munich and opted for a move to the Premier League.

It is not currently known, however, whether Bayern is in fact already seriously considering a signing again. Although there has been speculation to that effect recently, according to BILD’s information, the Munich club is not currently preparing a new bid.

Photo: IMAGO

Straten’s call should therefore be understood primarily as a scenario for the future. Should Wirtz fail to establish himself permanently at Liverpool and a transfer eventually become a possibility, Bayern should, in his view, immediately explore their options.

The BILD deputy editor also brings Michael Olise into the picture: “Especially since no one knows whether Olise can be kept for another year. The taciturn superstar certainly hasn’t let anyone in on that yet.”

Bayern is planning for the long term, looking ahead to 2028

In addition to Wirtz, Straten sees other key challenges ahead for the Munich club. In goal, the succession to Manuel Neuer must finally be settled. Jonas Urbig is considered the designated number one, while Augsburg’s Finn Dahmen is being touted as a possible new backup.

Joshua Kimmich also plays a role in these considerations. Straten advocates for eventually handing the captain’s armband to the current DFB captain at FC Bayern as well.

The Wirtz situation, however, remains particularly intriguing. There is currently no concrete transfer plan. However, should his situation at Liverpool FC not improve, the discussion could gain momentum once again.

In any case, Straten’s position is clear: Bayern should be ready and seize its second chance with the player who was once their top target.