Exclusive: Liverpool were ready to make bid to sign £87m attacker this summer but he wants to stay

TBR Football understands that Florian Wirtz’s representatives have confirmed to his suitors that he will be staying with Bayer Leverkusen and Xabi Alonso for one more season.

Florian Wirtz has enjoyed a brilliant season and has proven he is back to his very best after overcoming a ACL injury which saw him miss the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

TBR understands that both Liverpool and Manchester City – who have been tracking him since he made his debut for Bayer back in 2020 – were ready to mount bids this summer to land him, but now their interest will have to wait.

TBR has been told that both clubs have been told of Wirtz’s desire to stay – but they will continue to be kept informed of his situation. Wirtz’s current contract runs until 2027 but he could be handed fresh terms as a reward for his progress.

Liverpool were ready to launch Florian Wirtz bid

The interest from England is very strong, but they also know that Bayern Munich are firmly in contention to sign Wirtz in the long-term.

TBR has been told by sources that Bayern’s dream moving forward is to replicate the Germany forward axis- at club level – which sees Wirtz playing alongside Jamal Musiala – himself linked with a move away. But like with Musiala, Bayern see Wirtz as a long-term Bayern Munich star.

TBR also understands that Real Madrid and Barcelona are huge admirers of the 20-year-old and the fact he is highly unlikely to move until 2025, is a plus point for them as they have other transfer business that is a priority this summer.

Liverpool appear to have a keen eye on the Bundesliga ahead of the summer after scouts watched Eintracht Frankfurt defender Willian Pacho last weekend.

Wirtz to stay at Bayer Leverkusen

Liverpool have already missed out on Bayer Leverkusen’s Alonso, with Feyenoord boss Arne Slot set to be announced as Jurgen Klopp’s successor.

Wirtz has caught the eye after a stunning campaign in Germany, where his 22 goal involvements has helped Alonso’s side to a first Bundesliga title.

In all competitions, the talented youngster had netted 17 times and provided 19 assists in 44 appearances this season.

The £87 million-rated Wirtz could also add to his trophy haul this month, with Leverkusen set to face AS Roma in the semi-final of the Europa League as well as a DFB-Pokal final on May 25.

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