Bayern Munich supervisory board member Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has dismissed the possibility of the Bundesliga club making a fresh move for Florian Wirtz, citing the likely cost of the Liverpool playmaker. However, he has admitted he is surprised by the German international's difficulties at Anfield.
Wirtz was repeatedly linked with a move to Munich during his time at Bayer Leverkusen, and Bayern were reportedly confident of securing his signature. Liverpool ultimately beat the Bavarians to a deal, persuading the Germany international to move to Anfield last summer.
Wirtz's mixed fortunes at Liverpool
The 23-year-old joined the Reds in a deal worth up to £116m, but has endured mixed fortunes in England amid growing scrutiny of his performances. He returned seven goals and eight assists from 49 appearances in his first season on Merseyside as Liverpool struggled under Arne Slot, falling short of defending the Premier League title. Under new head coach Andoni Iraola, he has recorded just one assist from six appearances.
Wirtz has repeatedly been linked with a return to Germany amid suggestions Bayern could renew their interest.
Rummenigge: 'No need to buy a fourth player'
Rummenigge insisted Bayern would likely be priced out of a future move for the 23-year-old, though he refused to rule out the possibility entirely.
“First of all, that’s not my job,” he told AZ. “You mustn’t forget that Jamal Musiala and Serge Gnabry play in that position, and there are other options such as Ismael Saibari.
“There’s no need to buy a fourth player for the amount of money Wirtz would probably cost.
“That’s why I say: every step a player takes is something he has to think through carefully beforehand. Whether something else could still be possible at some point? I don’t know.
“The question is whether Wirtz is happy at Liverpool. I can’t judge that. Uli [Hoeness] and I were in contact with his father and mother for a while. Then they made a different decision, and we respected that.”
Surprise at Wirtz's struggles
Rummenigge also admitted his surprise at Wirtz’s struggles at Liverpool, claiming the £116m man only joined the Reds because of the role he was promised by Slot.
“Honestly, yes (I am surprised),” he said. “We were given the impression that he was going to Liverpool because the manager at the time, Arne Slot, had promised him the No. 10 position, which he had also played at Leverkusen.
“That was an important factor in his decision to choose Liverpool. Financially, there were no dramatic differences. He made his decision, and we accepted it.”
