Liverpool face Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday, but off the pitch there is fresh speculation over the future of Florian Wirtz and confirmation of past interest in Nico Williams.
Bayern chief responds to Wirtz links
Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer has admitted he feels sorry for Florian Wirtz amid the German international's struggles at Liverpool. However, he stopped short of suggesting the Bavarian club would make a January move for a player they admired during his Bayer Leverkusen days.
"First of all, I think Florian Wirtz is an outstanding player, there’s absolutely no question about that," Hainer said, per SportBild. "I almost feel a little sorry for him that he hasn’t yet reached the same form in England that he had at Leverkusen, because we also need him for the German national team."
Bayern won a domestic double last season despite missing out on Wirtz and continue to thrive going forward, scoring their 30th goal in all competitions this season when they drew with Viking in midweek. "We have such a top-class squad, we’re incredibly happy at the moment, and therefore it’s not an issue for us," Hainer added.
Williams agent confirms Liverpool interest
Nico Williams' agent Felix Tainta has confirmed Liverpool were among several top clubs interested in the Athletic Bilbao star after his Euro 2024 exploits. The winger signed a long-term deal in 2025, though, and Tainta has shed light on the past interest and the decision to stay put.
"We all know about Barca’s interest in the summer of ’24, following the European Championship," he told the Los Fulanos podcast. "Barca, Arsenal, Bayern, Liverpool, PSG… I could name them all. Everyone wanted Nico, and it’s no small feat for a player to say ‘no’ to all these clubs."
However, the agent indicated a need for playing time was a factor in ignoring further interest from Barca 12 months on. "We decided that, without certain guarantees, we couldn’t risk Nico ending up somewhere where he wouldn’t play, especially with a World Cup on the horizon," he added. "And even setting the World Cup aside, he is a professional player who needs to be able to practice his profession and play."
