Kimmich Admits Wirtz Likely to Choose Liverpool Over Bayern
Joshua Kimmich has expressed his disappointment that Florian Wirtz appears set to reject a move to Bayern Munich, with the Bayer Leverkusen star increasingly likely to join Premier League champions Liverpool this summer.
Wirtz, 22, has become one of Europe’s most sought-after midfielders after a stellar season under Xabi Alonso, helping Leverkusen secure their first-ever Bundesliga title. Liverpool made a major move for the Germany international last week, submitting a formal bid believed to be worth £105 million — a figure that matches Leverkusen’s valuation of the player.
While Bayern Munich had long been seen as the favourites to secure Wirtz’s signature, the tide has turned in recent weeks. Until recently, Liverpool themselves believed Wirtz would remain in Germany for at least another season. However, they were encouraged when they learned that the player is open — and even enthusiastic — about a move to Anfield.
Kimmich: “As a Bayern player, I wanted him here”
Speaking while on international duty with the German national team, Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich didn’t hide his admiration for Wirtz — or his disappointment that a move to Bayern may not materialize.
“As a player for FC Bayern, I obviously would have liked him to join us. I know him from the national team. I know what it’s like to play with him,” said Kimmich.
“So my focus is on having him as a teammate in the national team. As for what he does at the club level, I think he’s already made his decision. I just hope things turn out the way he wants them to.”
Kimmich, who is expected to be a senior figure in Germany’s Euro 2024 squad, has long been impressed with Wirtz’s intelligence, vision, and composure — qualities that many at Bayern believed would make him a natural successor to Thomas Müller in the long term.
A Difficult Decision, but a Personal One
Despite his own preference, Kimmich made clear that he supports Wirtz’s right to make the decision he believes is best for his career — even if that takes him to the Premier League.
“He is a national team player, so first and foremost, it’s important to me that he makes a good decision for himself,” Kimmich continued.
“Of course, when you make a decision, you don’t always know if it’s the right one. But regardless of where he ends up, I hope it turns out to be the right path for him. He’ll have his reasons for making this choice. Wherever he goes, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for him.”
Liverpool Closing In
Liverpool’s pursuit of Wirtz has accelerated since the end of the season. New head coach Arne Slot is keen to build his midfield around a creative playmaker, and Wirtz fits the bill perfectly. With strong technical skills, tactical maturity beyond his years, and an eye for goal, he is seen as the ideal long-term successor to the likes of Thiago Alcântara and possibly even Mohamed Salah, should his role evolve.
While the deal is not yet finalized, Liverpool remain in active talks with Leverkusen. Given the financial package and Wirtz’s own interest in testing himself in the Premier League, optimism is growing at Anfield that they will soon secure one of the most high-profile signings of the summer.
What This Means for Bayern
If Wirtz does indeed choose Liverpool, it will be a blow for Bayern Munich — not just because of the player’s quality, but also because of what his decision would represent. Losing a top German talent to an English club is rare, and for Bayern, who are aiming to bounce back after a trophyless season, missing out on such a player will be a cause for reflection.
With Joshua Kimmich’s future also uncertain and Thomas Tuchel’s departure confirmed, Bayern’s own summer rebuild hangs in the balance — and Wirtz’s decision could shape the narrative heading into next season.
