Liverpool are making progress in their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, despite Bayern Munich long being considered the frontrunners for his sought-after signature
Liverpool's stealthy approach when pursuing Florian Wirtz has helped them steal a march on Bayern Munich in the race to sign him. Wirtz, 22, is understood to be leaning towards a move to the Reds, even though Bayern had been the favourites for months.
Anfield chiefs recently sat down for a meeting with Wirtz and his parents near Blackpool, impressing them with their vision for the German playmaker. Talks are now underway with Bayer Leverkusen about what kind of deal it would take to prise Wirtz away.
For a time, it looked as if Manchester City would be Bayern's main competitors for the Leverkusen star but Liverpool emerged from the shadows while City backed out over financial concerns. It's that quiet charm offensive, a contrast to Bayern's noisier approach, which appears to have made the difference.
Former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann has been speaking about Wirtz's prospective move to Merseyside, revealing a key aspect of negotiations. "I think the Wirtz family was also impressed by how they (Liverpool) handled it," Hamann told Bild. "Discreetly, quietly, all in the background."
Bayern's approach couldn't be more different. Various club chiefs have been speaking about Wirtz for weeks, potentially muddying the waters for a deal, having been asked to pay £126million.
Bayern chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen recently pointed at their involvement in the Club World Cup as a reason why the 22-year-old should join them instead of Liverpool. "Much more has been written than spoken," Dreesen told Munich newspaper Tageszeitung via the ECHO.
"FC Bayern is one of the absolute top clubs in Europe and the world. Our appeal among fans, but also among players, is enormous. The fact that not every player will end up with us is simply part of the package; it's the same for other top clubs.
"But everyone knows: with FC Bayern, you can win everything every year, you're involved in every competition – the upcoming Club World Cup is a good example of that.
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"Just look at which clubs are represented there – and, most of all, which (clubs) aren't. The best European clubs are competing there - including FC Bayern. Our appeal, sporting ambitions, and economic power are well known to all top players around the world."
Club president Herbert Hainer has also been candid on Bayern's pursuit, telling Abendzeitung: "[Director of sport] Max Eberl has informed me that Florian Wirtz is probably leaning towards Liverpool. I can't say how things will continue with Leverkusen."