Germany’s manager, Julian Nagelsmann, has cautioned Florian Wirtz that he needs to join a team that is prepared to make him a central figure within the squad, as Liverpool competes to acquire the midfielder this summer.
The Reds have put forth a bid of €130 million (£109.6 million, $147.6 million) to Leverkusen, and the 2023–24 Bundesliga champions are likely to be intrigued, even though they have reportedly set a valuation of €150 million (£126.5 million, $170.4 million) on their star player.
A deal seems to be nearing completion, with Liverpool overcoming competition from Bayern Munich to position themselves as Wirtz’s preferred choice.
Bayern were taken aback by Wirtz’s decision, and there were even indications that Nagelsmann, whose tenure in Munich did not unfold as expected, had advised the young midfielder to reject Bayern.
Nagelsmann, who was unexpectedly dismissed by Bayern in 2023 in favor of Thomas Tuchel, was eager to dispel such rumors when addressing the media prior to Germany’s UEFA Nations League semi-final match against France: ‘I have never instructed a player to move here or there.
‘What matters is that he plays, and plays a role that is as significant as the one he held in Leverkusen.
We recognize that he is among the best players in the world.
‘Despite his exceptional talent, Wirtz may not be assured a starting position at Munich due to the presence of fellow German international Jamal Musiala.
Furthermore, while Dominik Szoboszlai has excelled for the Premier League champions, the amount they are willing to invest to secure Wirtz indicates their desire to make the attacking midfielder a key component of Arne Slot’s team.
Although Leverkusen surrendered their title to Bayern, Wirtz had another outstanding individual season.
The 22-year-old recorded 31 goal contributions across all competitions and has more than validated his substantial valuation.