Why Florian Wirtz chose Liverpool over Bayern
Germany’s standout young midfielder, Florian Wirtz, opted for Liverpool ahead of Bayern Munich. His father, Hans-Joachim Wirtz, revealed the decisive factors behind this choice.
Final two in the race: Bayern and Liverpool
One of Liverpool’s most high-profile signings this summer, Florian Wirtz could have stayed in Germany and worn the Bayern Munich shirt. But this story was never about money or fame. It was about sporting vision and personal fit. The player’s father and one of his representatives, Hans-Joachim Wirtz, laid out the reasoning behind choosing Liverpool over Bayern in an interview with Der Spiegel.
Following his decision to leave Leverkusen, Wirtz became a target for Europe’s elite clubs.
According to The Athletic:
“Real Madrid and Manchester City were monitoring Wirtz closely at the start of the year, but the race ultimately became a direct battle between the English and German champions.”
“In the end, small details made the difference”
Hans-Joachim Wirtz summed up the process as follows:
“In the end, it came down to small differences. Florian’s role and place in the sporting project were decisive. Financially, there was no significant difference between the clubs.”
Bayern’s personal push
The intensity of Bayern’s interest was far from negligible. Honorary president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge labelled Wirtz “Germany’s best player,” while Uli Hoeneß personally got involved. Hoeneß had built a close relationship with the Wirtz family and helped facilitate Florian’s swift recovery from a cruciate ligament injury in 2022, earning their trust.
Hans-Joachim Wirtz openly acknowledged this connection:
“The process with Bayern was very difficult because Uli Hoeneß and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge made an incredible effort. That final phone call with Uli was very hard for me.”
Arne Slot’s influence: clarity and connection
Despite these emotional ties, Arne Slot played a pivotal role in the decision. Liverpool’s new manager impressed Wirtz with both his tactical approach and personal character.
“He explained his football philosophy to Florian: how the team is structured in possession, their pressing style, and the spaces Florian could exploit to express himself,”
said Wirtz’s father, noting how deeply his son was influenced by this understanding.
A growing curiosity for the English game
Hans-Joachim Wirtz highlighted that Florian had always thrived under coaches who combined freedom with empathy. The tempo and dynamism of English football also appealed to them. Additionally, Liverpool’s facilities, development opportunities, and the sense that the timing was “just right” to move abroad all played a key role in the decision.
Three at the decision table: mother, father, Florian
Family unity was central to this choice. Alongside his mother, Karin Groß, the trio all agreed Liverpool was the right step.
“Florian saw this as a new challenge, both on a personal and sporting level. We were all on the same page,”
said Hans-Joachim Wirtz, describing his son’s move from Germany to the Premier League as a true turning point.
His farewell season in numbers: Leverkusen’s midfield general
The 2024/25 campaign was a farewell tour for Wirtz. The Leverkusen academy product played 43 matches across all competitions, scoring 16 goals and providing 13 assists.
In the Bundesliga (29 matches): 10 goals, 11 assists
In the UEFA Champions League (9 matches): 6 goals, 1 assist
During the 2023/24 season, he was a key figure in Leverkusen’s unbeaten Bundesliga-winning campaign, contributing 11 goals and 12 assists in 32 league matches. But his influence extended well beyond numbers.
He dictated the flow of play with clarity and composure. In Xabi Alonso’s pass-oriented system, his 0.47 expected assists (xA) per game made him one of the league’s most creative players.
77 successful dribbles – among the top dribblers in the Bundesliga
2.2 key passes per game
86% pass accuracy
Exceptional accuracy in both short interplay and line-breaking long passes
64% dribble success rate – top 5 in the league
Especially in midfield, he stood out with his ability to evade pressure and switch play. His final-third threat and vision made him a constant open-play danger. His passes weren’t just safe choices. They were progressive passes that consistently disrupted defensive shape.
(Sources: FBref, Bundesliga.com, Opta)
The tipping point: why Liverpool won
Despite Bayern’s admirable effort, strong squad vision, and long-standing personal ties, the decision was ultimately tipped by Arne Slot. Liverpool’s development-focused environment, player-centric tactics, and human approach earned the Wirtz family’s full trust.
Slot’s direct involvement wasn’t limited to on-field roles. He stood out as a leader who understood not just Florian’s talent but also his mindset and aspirations. This approach offered a structure worthy of one of the most highly regarded young players in European football.
Liverpool’s seamless route from academy to first team, backed by data-led training methods, and the natural competitiveness of the Premier League formed a new growth platform for Wirtz. For a player seeking to make the right move at the right time, it wasn’t just about joining a team. It was about stepping into a football culture he could trust. That culture, from Leverkusen to Liverpool, proved decisive.
