Bayern Munich's sporting director has publicly dismissed suggestions that he was content to see German star Florian Wirtz snub the Bundesliga champions for Liverpool last summer.
Eberl Sets The Record Straight On Wirtz Claims
In an interview with German publication BILD, Bayern's director of sport, Max Eberl, was asked directly if reports were accurate that he was secretly pleased Wirtz opted for Anfield, as it allowed Bayern to sign Luis Diaz from the Reds instead. Eberl's response was unequivocal.
"Honestly, that's not true, because we would also have been very happy if Florian Wirtz had chosen to sign for Bayern," Eberl stated. "He didn't do it and preferred the Premier League instead."
The Summer's Major Transfer Tug-of-War
The 2025 summer transfer window featured a high-stakes shuffle between the two European heavyweights. Liverpool secured the signature of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for an initial £100million, a fee that could rise to £116million, seeing off rival interest from both Bayern Munich and Manchester City.
As a direct consequence, Bayern Munich turned their attention to Merseyside and activated a £65million deal to bring Colombian winger Luis Diaz to the Allianz Arena.
Eberl, while rueful about missing out on Wirtz, was effusive in his praise for the alternative acquisition. "We are very, very happy that we made another very good decision by signing Lucho [Diaz]," he added, before noting the financial reality that signing both stars was impossible. "The two of them together wouldn't have been possible. As I said, we're not exactly... printing money either."
Contrasting Adaptation Periods in New Leagues
The two players have experienced differing starts to life at their new clubs. After a slow beginning in English football, Wirtz has now registered three goals and two assists in his last nine Premier League appearances for Liverpool, having failed to contribute a goal or assist in his first twelve.
Conversely, Luis Diaz hit the ground running in Germany, marking his first three Bundesliga matches for Bayern with three goals and two assists. His impressive form has continued, with 14 goals and 11 assists in 25 games across all competitions so far this season.
With his form improving, Wirtz will aim to be a key figure for Arne Slot's Liverpool in the second half of the campaign. The Reds face Marseille in the Champions League on Wednesday before a Premier League trip to AFC Bournemouth on Saturday, seeking to end a run of two consecutive domestic draws.
