Liverpool Launch Audacious Plan to Hijack Man City’s Move for £126m Florian Wirtz as Arne Slot Enters the Race

**Liverpool Move to Hijack Manchester City’s Bid for Florian Wirtz Amid Bayern Interest** *(Paraphrased except for quoted words)*

Liverpool have ramped up efforts to secure a deal for Florian Wirtz, stepping into the competition for the Bayer Leverkusen standout and looking to “hijack” Manchester City’s ongoing pursuit, as per reports from *Kicker* and *Mail Sport*.

The 22-year-old playmaker has become one of the most coveted players in Europe following an extraordinary 2023–24 season, during which he played a key role in Leverkusen’s undefeated Bundesliga campaign and DFB-Pokal triumph. With 33 combined goals and assists in 44 games, Wirtz has emerged as a major target in the upcoming transfer window.

Liverpool have reportedly made a “move to hijack Manchester City’s bid” for Wirtz, according to a recent update.

**City, Liverpool, and Bayern Vying for the Star**

Manchester City have been tracking Wirtz over an extended period, identifying him as the ideal long-term replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, who is set to leave after ten years at the club. Their pursuit is being led by Football Director Hugo Viana alongside outgoing executive Txiki Begiristain.

Now, Liverpool have entered the fray. Reports indicate that the reigning Premier League winners under new head coach Arne Slot recently held direct discussions with both Wirtz and his representatives — coinciding with a meeting between the player and City on the same day.

Simultaneously, Bayern Munich remain a strong threat. Journalist Christian Falk states that Wirtz has “already agreed personal terms” with the Bundesliga champions. Bayern are readying a €100 million (£84.7 million) offer, though this remains below Bayer Leverkusen’s £126 million asking price. CEO Fernando Carro earlier suggested a potential fee of €150 million but later toned down that assertion.

The “Premier League champions” led by Arne Slot reportedly met with the attacker on Tuesday — as did Manchester City.

**Contract and Long-Term Outlook**

Wirtz is tied to Leverkusen until 2027, leaving the German side with full leverage over his near-term future. His mother is said to favor him staying one more season, possibly delaying a transfer until 2026 — when Bayern would be prepared to bid again.

Nonetheless, Wirtz is reportedly more receptive to a Premier League switch, having relaxed his position on joining City and now entertaining Liverpool’s interest. Real Madrid have shown past interest, but the primary contenders at present are Liverpool, City, and Bayern.

The Leverkusen playmaker is currently among the most in-demand talents on the continent.

**Next Steps**

Bayern Munich maintain an edge given Wirtz’s reported preference and the progress in talks, though their bid needs to increase substantially.

Liverpool are pushing hard and have accelerated talks to surpass competing clubs.

Should Wirtz opt for Liverpool, it would represent a significant setback for Pep Guardiola’s squad.

Manchester City remain in the hunt, motivated by the need to find a De Bruyne successor.

With negotiations ongoing and no club yet matching Leverkusen’s valuation, the coming weeks will be decisive in determining whether Wirtz moves this summer — and if so, where.

Although Vincent Kompany’s Bayern appeared to be leading, the offer they are said to be prepar

ing does not meet the required figure.