Bayern Munich drop Wirtz pursuit and turn attention to Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo

Liverpool win Wirtz race as Bayern open Gakpo talks

Bayern had been closely monitoring Florian Wirtz throughout the season, but despite competition from Manchester City and Real Madrid, it was Liverpool who made the decisive move. Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes confirmed this week that the Merseyside club had submitted a “concrete approach.” Following this, Bayern have withdrawn from the race.

However, the significant budget initially reserved for Wirtz remains available. Bayern are now preparing to redirect those funds toward a new profile, with Cody Gakpo emerging as the leading candidate.

€50 million valuation: Gakpo just behind Salah

Sky Sport Germany reports that Liverpool value Gakpo at around €50 million. The Dutch international ended the 2024/25 season as Liverpool’s second-highest goal contributor, behind only Mohamed Salah.

As he enters his second season in charge, Vincent Kompany is building around a high-pressing, possession-based system that relies on wide forwards who can stretch the pitch and operate between the lines. Gakpo’s ability to play both out wide and through the centre — along with his physicality, off-the-ball movement, and intelligent distribution — makes him a natural tactical fit.

Gakpo’s 2024/25 season: 18 goals, 7 assists

Across all competitions, Gakpo made 49 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 18 goals and adding 7 assists — trailing only Salah in overall output. His breakdown by competition:

• Premier League: 35 matches, 10 goals, 5 assists

• Champions League: 8 matches, 3 goals, 1 assist

• EFL Cup: 6 matches, 5 goals, 1 assist

Coman and Sané futures uncertain

Bayern may be forced to accelerate their search for wide players due to pending departures. Kingsley Coman has drawn serious offers from Saudi clubs but remains hesitant for personal reasons. Bayern have set a €30 million price tag, but his wage demands are seen as a stumbling block.

Leroy Sané, meanwhile, has rejected Bayern’s contract extension offer. His agent has raised the possibility of a return to the Premier League, and the club has made it clear that their proposal is final. At least one winger is expected to leave this summer, according to Bavarian Football Works.

Alternatives considered, but Gakpo leads the list

While Gakpo is now the top name on Bayern’s shortlist, other options are also under review. Sports Illustrated reports that Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton) and Rafael Leão (Milan) have been long-term targets, but recent weeks have seen a decline in interest for younger profiles such as Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (Borussia Dortmund) and Nico Williams (Athletic Club).

The cooling interest in Williams is partly due to withdrawal from the race by clubs like Barcelona, Arsenal, and Chelsea. Bayern are now targeting players with the readiness and experience to make an immediate impact.