Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus has made a brutal admission about Florian Wirtz, seemingly paving the way for him to join Liverpool.
The Bayer Leverkusen superstar is believed to be edging closer to sealing a summer switch to Anfield, which is highly likely to be a club-record signing for the Reds.
It looks as though Bayern have admitted defeat in the race to snap up Wirtz, despite being in pole position at one point, with club legend Lothar Matthaus admitting as much to Bild [via Sport Witness]:
“This is a defeat for FC Bayern, and for Uli Hoeneß personally, certainly the most painful in the transfer market in recent times: He had repeatedly stated that Wirtz was their absolute dream player, and that FC Bayern would pull out all the stops to sign him. Therefore, the rejection is also a heavy, painful defeat for Uli.
“Personally, I also thought Florian would want to stay in Germany for the next few years. He’s taking on a big challenge. It’s not just a new club. It’s a new mentality, a new language. But: This step also shows that he’s not afraid. Wirtz believes in himself 100 percent – ??and rightly so: I have absolute confidence in him to make it at Liverpool and in the Premier League.
“He doesn’t have to hide from anyone. A year before the World Cup, the move is also a risk, a leap into the unknown – but his environment, his family, will certainly support him very well.
“The decision also shows: For Wirtz, FC Bayern is simply not the No. 1. The Premier League, with its quality at the top and its breadth, is the best league in the world, with great intensity and pace.”
Liverpool fans love to hear it!
This will be music to the ears of Liverpool supporters, with Wirtz having the ability and potential to be a truly great signing for the Premier League champions, having registered 122 goal contributions (57 goals and 65 assists) in 197 appearances for Leverkusen.
If the 22-year-old isn’t already a world-class player, it is surely only a matter of time until he is, and he could take the Reds up a significant level next season.
For Liverpool to beat Bayern to the signing of a top German player should be considered a major coup for Arne Slot – fans will just be hoping there isn’t now a late twist in the saga.
