Florian Wirtz moved from Leverkusen to Liverpool. © APA/afp / INA FASSBENDER

“Public wooing of Wirtz harmed FC Bayern”

According to Bayer Leverkusen's managing director Fernando Carro, the public wooing of Florian Wirtz by the club management has reduced the Munich player's transfer chances.

July 19, 2025

From: dpa

"This isn't really appropriate. I was more surprised than bothered that they were so aggressive in public. But I don't think it helped Florian and his parents," Carro told "Welt am Sonntag."

Bayern had made intensive efforts to sign national soccer player Wirtz and at times even publicly expressed optimism that they could convince the young star to move to Munich. Carro said he was contacted by Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen about a transfer in the spring. However, he declined negotiations.

After that, there were no further concrete discussions. "Bayern were apparently convinced that Florian would choose them. I told them: We have other information," Carro said.

Wirtz decided to move to Liverpool FC. Bayer Leverkusen reportedly received a transfer fee of around €140 million. "It still hurts, but you get used to it. We wish Florian only the very best," said Carro.

“I want an exciting Bundesliga”

He said he was glad that Wirtz didn't move to Bayern, but rather abroad. He also disagreed with DFL Supervisory Board Chairman Hans-Joachim Watzke. "I don't understand why he, as the head of Borussia Dortmund, would have been happy if Wirtz had gone to Munich. Then Bayern would have been even stronger. I want an exciting Bundesliga," Carro said.

Florian Wirtz's father and advisor recently told "Spiegel" that, given a similar offer to FC Bayern, Liverpool's coach was the deciding factor in his son's decision. "Arne Slot presented his playing philosophy, the team tactics in possession and pressing, and how Florian can develop his strengths in these areas. That made a decisive impression on Florian," said Hans-Joachim Wirtz.