Bayern Munich thought they had the signing of Florian Wirtz ‘in the bag’ before Liverpool stole a march on the German giants.
The Reds are currently leading the race to sign the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder this summer.
4
4
Wirtz has already agreed personal terms ahead of a possible move to Anfield, talkSPORT understands.
It comes after both Bayern and Manchester City admitted defeat in their pursuits of the 22-year-old.
Liverpool are now in negotiations with Leverkusen following an initial £84million bid for Wirtz.
European football expert Andy Brassell believes Bayern have dropped the ball with their approach to the transfer.
Wirtz had appeared destined for a move to the Bundesliga champions ahead of next season.
However, the Germany international may instead end up on Merseyside after Bayern failed with a ‘lowball’ offer for his services.
Brassell told the Trans Europe Express show: “No disrespect to Liverpool but Bayern have dropped the ball to an extent because Wirtz was definitely interested.
“His father met with Uli Hoeness quite a few times, and they seemed to be getting on famously.
“And I think Bayern were trying to low ball Leverkusen and assumed that Wirtz would just bash the door down to get his way there and he hasn’t done that.
“His dad’s his agent, they’re a close family. They consider things over a long period of time.
4
4
“If Liverpool get him, this is, I think, an absolutely great pickup. I think it’s so hard to strengthen a team that’s incredibly successful anyway, but to have someone that eases the creative burden on Mo Salah, even though he plays a different position, is great.
“I think it really extends the life of Mo Salah as an elite level player for Liverpool. So that’s really important. I think this is a huge statement signing for Liverpool if they can get it over the line.
“And if we’re shocked, Bayern are even more shocked. They thought they had this one in the bag.”
Wirtz scored 16 goals and provided 15 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions for Leverkusen in the most recent campaign.
It came after he helped the side to an unbeaten Bundesliga title and German Cup triumph in the previous season.
Wirtz joined the club’s academy from Koln as a 16-year-old back in 2020.
He made his league debut later that same year after turning 17 and remains the fourth youngest player in Bundesliga history.
The playmaker has also won 29 caps for Germany, scoring six goals.
