Florian Wirtz informs Leverkusen of desire to join Bayern Munich in potential final season

Transfer intent made clear

Florian Wirtz, Bayer Leverkusen’s 22-year-old midfield star, has informed the club that he wishes to join Bayern Munich in the upcoming summer transfer window. According to German outlet SPORT BILD, Wirtz told head coach Xabi Alonso that despite interest from Real Madrid and Manchester City, his sole preference is a move to Bayern.

Wirtz’s family, particularly his father and agent Hans Wirtz, has already reached a personal agreement with Bayern Munich. The deal was reportedly facilitated by their longstanding relationship with Bayern’s honorary president Uli Hoeneß. (Diario AS)

Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro had previously placed a valuation of around €150 million on Wirtz. However, he later described that figure as a “mistake,” stating that the player is “priceless.”

Bayern’s strategy and squad planning

Bayern Munich view Wirtz as the ideal successor to Thomas Müller and plan to deploy him alongside Jamal Musiala in the attacking midfield. The duo is seen as pivotal to the club’s future success. (sportbild.bild.de)

Reports suggest that Bayern may be willing to sell several current squad members to fund the Wirtz transfer. Names such as Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sané, and Leon Goretzka could be made available. (sportbild.bild.de)

Wirtz remains under contract with Leverkusen until 2027, but this summer could represent the final opportunity for the club to secure full value for him. Bayern appear ready to make a significant financial commitment to land the player.

As of now, neither Bayern Munich nor Bayer Leverkusen have issued any official statement regarding the transfer. However, recent developments indicate that Wirtz’s move to Bayern is edging closer.

2024/25 Season: The farewell campaign

This season, Wirtz made 43 appearances across all competitions for Bayer Leverkusen, registering 16 goals and 13 assists.

In 29 Bundesliga matches: 10 goals, 11 assists
In 9 UEFA Champions League matches: 6 goals, 1 assist

Wirtz can already be considered a Leverkusen legend. A product of the club’s academy, he played a pivotal role in the club’s undefeated Bundesliga title-winning 2023/24 campaign, delivering a truly memorable performance. In 32 domestic appearances, he directly contributed to 23 goals with 11 goals and 12 assists.

Beyond his goal contributions, Wirtz orchestrated play with precision passing that frequently unlocked opposing defenses. He acted as a conductor in Alonso’s possession-based system and posted an impressive 0.47 expected assists (xA) per match.

His impact extended beyond passing. With 77 successful dribbles, Wirtz ranked among the Bundesliga’s most prolific dribblers.

2023/24 Bundesliga averages:

• 2.2 key passes per match

• 86% overall pass completion

• Highly accurate in both short passes and line-breaking balls

His 64% dribbling success rate placed him among the top five in the league. Wirtz stood out especially in the middle third, consistently escaping pressure and switching the point of attack.

Final third threat and playmaking vision

In addition to his 11 goals and 12 assists, Wirtz averaged 0.47 xA per match, consistently generating danger in open play. His passing wasn’t simply safe — he regularly broke lines and carved open defensive structures.

Sources: FBref, Bundesliga.com, Opta

FootballWonk Tactical Analysis: What Wirtz could bring to Bayern

Under Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen:

Wirtz operated primarily in the right half-space as a “free creator” within Alonso’s 3-4-2-1 system. Out of possession, he pushed forward to support the press as a secondary forward. In possession, he bridged the gap between central midfield and the wide channels.

He played a key tactical role, dictating tempo, identifying vertical lanes, and solving pressure in tight areas.

Potential integration at Bayern:

Bayern plan to use Wirtz and Jamal Musiala in a rotating No.10 role. Following Thomas Müller’s departure, Wirtz is expected to assume a significant creative and leadership responsibility.

Likely systems:

• Out of possession (4-2-3-1): Wirtz pushes forward to engage the second pressing line while Musiala tucks in centrally.

• In possession (3-2-5): Wirtz and Musiala share the half-spaces around the penalty area in free roles, where they form a dual line and create numerical superiority.

This structure could redefine Bayern’s possession game and fluid attacking rhythm. Wirtz fits seamlessly into such a framework and could significantly elevate Bayern’s attacking identity. His style is particularly compatible with the positional and ball-dominant philosophy implemented by Vincent Kompany, whose system emphasizes spatial control and structured verticality.