Bayern Keeps Watch as Wirtz Fights for Liverpool Role

Bayern Munich is maintaining active tabs on German international midfielder Florian Wirtz as the 23-year-old works to establish his role at Liverpool under newly appointed head coach Andoni Iraola, according to industry sources. No formal negotiations or transfer bids are underway, but Bayern remains observant of Wirtz’s progression as the Premier League season unfolds.

Iraola, the former AFC Bournemouth and Rayo Vallecano manager, was appointed after Liverpool dismissed Arne Slot following just one season in charge. Slot’s departure came after Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League during the 2025–26 season and failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

Liverpool secured Wirtz in a marquee £116 million ($150 million) transfer during the summer 2025 window, beating rival suitors that included Manchester City. The club has no current plans to sell him, while Iraola considers the attacking midfielder an integral component of his tactical framework.

Wirtz’s transition to the Premier League has coincided with a turbulent period for Liverpool. During his debut 2025–26 season, he recorded five goals and three assists in 33 Premier League appearances. Through the opening five matches of the current campaign, he has registered one assist and has yet to score.

Iraola’s primary objective involves stabilizing Liverpool’s midfield structure and restoring fluidity to an attack that struggled for consistency last term. He has expressed confidence that Wirtz remains central to the club’s long-term trajectory, maintaining that technical adaptation to a new tactical scheme requires time and structural continuity.

Liverpool’s acquisition of Wirtz in 2025 formed part of an aggressive squad reconstruction that also included Swedish international striker Alexander Isak. The investment was intended to solidify Liverpool’s standing following the departure of longtime manager Jürgen Klopp, but the club experienced a severe sharp drop in performance during the 2025–26 season.

The modest returns contrast with Wirtz’s production at Bayer Leverkusen, where he developed into one of European soccer’s most prominent playmakers. Under manager Xabi Alonso during the 2023–24 season, Wirtz recorded 18 goals and 20 assists across all competitions.

That campaign saw Leverkusen complete an undefeated domestic double, capturing both the Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal. Wirtz’s performances earned him the Bundesliga Player of the Season award and established him as a cornerstone for Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany national team.

Bayern had actively targeted Wirtz during his tenure in the Bundesliga but was priced out of the race when Liverpool committed £116 million. Despite missing out on his signature, Bayern’s technical hierarchy has continued to track Wirtz’s progress in England.

The persistent interest from Munich stems from that long-standing pursuit. Bayern’s strategy also involves surrounding key international figures, such as Jamal Musiala, with top German talent. The German champions remain well-positioned to intervene should Liverpool’s stance soften in future transfer windows.

Internal evaluations regarding Wirtz’s long-term position at Liverpool are expected at the conclusion of the season if his performances do not meet performance benchmarks. Iraola is focused on adapting his system to unlock Wirtz’s creative output as Liverpool evaluates his role under the new manager.