The race for Florian Wirtz’s signature is heating up with reports today suggesting Manchester City and Bayern Munich are no longer in the race.
For starters, the BBC’s Sami Mokbel reported first that Manchester City have withdrawn from the race to sign Wirtz due to concerns a deal to sign him could cost in the region of €300million (£252m).
Then Florian Plettenberg reminded fans that last week, the Wirtz family was in Liverpool.
He continued, adding: “ManCity were ready to make progress but MCFC are out of the race after new talks, according to Sami Mokbel.
“Despite other reports, ManCity never made an official offer, as has always been reported. FC Bayern remain relaxed. They trust in their basic agreement and are also waiting for Wirtz to announce an internal decision at Leverkusen.”
?? As reported: The #Wirtz family were in Liverpool last week …
ManCity were ready to make progress but #MCFC are out of the race after new talks, according to @SamiMokbel_BBC. Despite other reports, ManCity never made an official offer, as has always been reported.
FC… pic.twitter.com/KhbRHBNvnD
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) May 19, 2025
The journalist has now reported that Bayern Munich are considering a move for Chelsea No.10 Christopher Nkunku which would suggest the Bundesliga champions are considering alternatives in case a deal to sign Wirtz falls through.
Are Bayern Munich now turning their attention away from Florian Wirtz, leaving a gap for Liverpool?
Reporting via X, Plettenberg reports that Nkunku is a permanent transfer option for Bayern Munich – not a loan – and are in contact with his agents.
He reports: “Christopher Nkunku will leave Chelsea this summer – the decision has been made, as previously reported. \
“A permanent transfer is planned, not a loan. FC Bayern are still monitoring his situation and remain in contact with his management.
“However, nothing is advanced at this stage. Other top clubs are also interested in Nkunku.”
?? Christopher #Nkunku will leave Chelsea this summer – the decision has been made, as previously reported. #CFC
A permanent transfer is planned, not a loan.
FC Bayern are still monitoring his situation and remain in contact with his management. However, nothing is advanced… pic.twitter.com/qPr1RVyp2p
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) May 19, 2025
Liverpool will be increasingly hopeful of their chances of signing Florian Wirtz
While Liverpool still have a ways to go before signing Wirtz, it’s hugely encouraging to hear Manchester City have withdrawn from the race and Bayern Munich are looking at alternatives to Wirtz.
In a transfer of this magnitude, it will come down to which club that can afford Wirtz is his preferred destination.
It’s worth noting that it would be an incredible coup to convince a world class German player to say ‘no’ to Bayern Munich but beyond that, Wirtz would simply be a superstar addition to Arne Slot’s side.
