Florian Wirtz was FC Bayern’s top transfer target for this summer. Now it looks like the 22-year-old will be joining Liverpool FC. It’s a setback in the transfer market, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent one for FCB.
Internally, it was already said at FC Bayern in the middle of last week that a rejection from Florian Wirtz “would hit us hard.” By that point, mild pessimism had long since replaced confidence that they would be able to sign this fine footballer from Bayer Leverkusen. That will now come to nothing, provided Leverkusen and Liverpool FC can agree on a transfer, with Wirtz set to move to the Premier League.
The idea was appealing not only to FC Bayern: Wirtz alongside Jamal Musiala, bringing together the two best German footballers in the creative center. Add to that Michael Olise and Harry Kane up front, and opposing defenses would not have known who to worry about first. And of course, it was also about prestige; FC Bayern has always liked to have the best German players or those from the Bundesliga in its ranks.
However, times have changed, as the examples of Kai Havertz (to Chelsea in 2020), Erling Haaland (to Manchester City in 2022) and Jude Bellingham (to Real Madrid in 2023) have proven in recent years. The automatic move to FC Bayern that used to be the norm for outstanding players such as Lothar Matthäus, Michael Ballack, and Robert Lewandowski no longer exists.
Use the money saved to close other gaps
In a long-globalized world, moving abroad is no longer an adventure; clubs provide comprehensive support, and private jets are available for trips home. Will FC Bayern lose international prestige and image as a result of losing out on Wirtz? It doesn’t matter; that’s not what it’s about in the end.
In fact, a future without Wirtz also offers an opportunity. With him, coach Vincent Kompany would almost certainly have had to change the system, because both Wirtz and Musiala prefer to play in the center. Instead of a double ten, he can now stick with the tried-and-tested 4-2-3-1 formation. And his bosses can invest the money saved elsewhere.
With up to €150 million in transfer fees, the salary for a five-year contract, and agent’s commission, the transfer would have cost just under €300 million. FCB was prepared to literally raid its coffers for this. In hindsight, it may be better not to have been forced to go “all in” here.
The squad has enough weaknesses. Kompany’s bosses can now sign a second attacking winger of Olise’s caliber to push forward the overhaul in that position. They can invest in a backup for Kane. Maybe even a young player who will eventually succeed the Englishman.
And they can, indeed must, beef up their defense, ideally both in the center and on the wings. The signing of Jonathan Tah, also on Friday, is a first, sensible step. The 29-year-old has consistently demonstrated his class over the past two years, he has leadership qualities and could become the long-sought-after defensive boss.
Incidentally, Tah is also available on a free transfer, as is talented Tom Bischof, who has been called up to the national team for the first time by national coach Julian Nagelsmann. Smart transfers don’t always require exorbitant transfer fees. As nice as it would have been to see Wirtz in a Bayern jersey, the ball will continue to roll at Säbener Straße without him.
