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7 hours ago
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After a long transfer fiasco, German sensation Florian Wirtz decided to move to Liverpool for a British record transfer fee of £116 m ($156m).
Apart from Liverpool, Bayern Munich were also interested in Wirtz, but ultimately, he chose to move to the Premier League.
After a few months, Wirtz's agent and father Hans Wirtz has opened up on why his son chose to move to the Premier League champions over Bayern.
Hans had meetings with Bayern chief Uli Hoeness, and there were rumours of the club reaching an agreement with Wirtz.
"I couldn't give a commitment because Florian ultimately makes the decision. It was still open at the time. The situation with Bayern was difficult because Uli Hoeness and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge made incredible efforts and also made a clear analysis of the sporting aspect. I have the greatest respect for Uli Hoeness and his life's work. After Florian's ACL tear in 2022, he selflessly helped us quickly get an appointment for surgery in Innsbruck. We are still grateful to him for that. That's why the final phone call with Uli Hoeness was very difficult for me," Hans said in an interview with Der Spiegel.
Hans also had talks with Hoeness after the deal was done, and he shared that the Bayern chief was disappointed.
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"We had spoken several times beforehand, so he was as objective and fair as I'd ever known him. But of course, he couldn't hide his disappointment. After all, he had personally worked hard to bring about this transfer."
What did Hans say about Vincent Kompany being unable to convince Florian Wirtz?
Following the transfer move, there were rumours in the SZ newspaper that Bayern manager Vincent Kompany was unable to convince the 22-year-old.
When Hans was asked about the same, his reaction was rather different as he emphasised his son's decision to move abroad for a different challenge.
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"Vincent Kompany also had very good thoughts and ideas about how he wanted to integrate Florian into the FC Bayern team. In the end, it was a matter of details; the decision ultimately had to do with the different sporting situations and Florian's role."
"Financially, there weren't any major differences between the two clubs. Again, Bayern Munich really tried hard, but a decision had to be made. Florian saw the move abroad as a new personal and sporting challenge and therefore chose Liverpool FC. We all shared this view."
Following Wirtz's rejection, Bayern are yet to sign a player in his place, and now with Jamal Musiala's severe injury, they are forced to bring reinforcements in attack.
Overall, it has been a very frustrating transfer window for Bayern Munich fans as the German champions are yet to make a major signing this summer.
They are linked with Liverpool's Luis Diaz, but the Reds have slapped a high asking price for the 28-year-old Colombian.
Bayern Munich may also have to look at other options as including RB Leipzig star Xavi Simmons, who is reportedly open to leaving the club this summer.
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