Bayern board cites promised No 10 role for Wirtz’s Liverpool move

Florian Wirtz’s transfer to Liverpool last summer cost up to £116 million, a fee that matched Bayern Munich’s offer and set a new record for the Reds. Bayern Munich’s board member Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said the German’s decision hinged on a promised No 10 role at Anfield.

£116 million fee and promised No 10 role

Rummenigge explained that the financial terms were roughly equal, but former Bayer Leverkusen manager Arne Slot assured Wirtz he would occupy the attacking midfield position he excelled in at Leverkusen. The promise of the #10 shirt was described as “an important factor in his decision to join Liverpool”.

The 23‑year‑old German arrived from Bayer Leverkusen after the club secured the Premier League title, and his contract was billed as a statement of intent. So far he has contributed five goals and five assists, a modest return for a player expected to lead the Reds’ attack.

Struggles and Bayern’s perspective

Rummenigge admitted he was surprised by Wirtz’s difficulties, saying, “To be honest, yes. We were given the impression that he chose Liverpool because the manager back then, Arne Slot, had promised him the #10 position, the role he had also played at Leverkusen. That was an important factor in his decision to join Liverpool. There were no big differences financially. He made his decision, and we accepted it.”

When asked about a possible return, Rummenigge stressed it was not his job, adding, “First of all, that’s not my job. It’s a matter for the board. And we mustn’t forget that Jamal Musiala and Serge Gnabry play in that position, and there are other options as well, such as Ismael Saibari. There’s no need to spend the kind of money that Wirtz would probably cost to sign a fourth player for that position.” He also noted that Bayern had been in contact with Wirtz’s parents, respecting their decision to take a different path.

Rummenigge says Bayern need not chase Wirtz now

Mixed reactions from Liverpool camp

Germany manager Jürgen Klopp defended the youngster, stating, “When you look at the overall context, Flo joined Liverpool at a very unfortunate time. It’s about the passing of Diogo Jota. He joined a team with players whose priority was not football at that time, which is very understandable. He learned a lot from his first year. Now it is a new season under a new coach, and I think he has started all the games. Physically, he is doing very well.”

Klopp added, “We can’t do more than build him up in our team with enough training and playing time—bit by bit giving him certainty and a good feeling before sending him back to Liverpool. I wish him all the best.”

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher was far less optimistic after a 1‑0 win over Bournemouth, commenting, “That was one of the poorest I’ve ever seen him in a Liverpool shirt. I’ve been critical of the fact that he hasn’t got the numbers.”

Wirtz stays in the dark at Liverpool, Rummenigge sees no Bayern return

Image credit: Getty