Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer has admitted that Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz is on course to join Liverpool this summer.
Wirtz has been gaining plenty of transfer interest after establishing a reputation as one of Europe's best playmakers during his time at Leverkusen.
The Germany international played a key role in the club's double-winning campaign in 2023-24, racking up 18 goals and 20 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions.
While Leverkusen failed to win silverware in 2024-25, Wirtz still showcased his attacking talent with 16 goals and 15 assists in 45 competitive matches.
The German club are now bracing themselves for the departure of their best player, having already seen Real Madrid-bound Xabi Alonso leave his role as the club's head coach.
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Bayern chief makes Wirtz admission
Man City were said to be among Wirtz's potential suitors before it was recently revealed that they had pulled out of the race due to the significant cost of the deal.
As a result, the transfer battle turned into a two-way race between German champions Bayern Munich and Premier League winners Liverpool.
It emerged on Friday that Liverpool are keen to conclude a deal for Wirtz after it was revealed that his preference was to join Arne Slot's side rather than move to Bayern this summer.
Hainer has now revealed that Bayern are set to miss out on Wirtz's signature, with the attacker likely to complete a transfer to Liverpool.
"Max Eberl (Bayern director of sport) informed me that Florian Wirtz is probably leaning towards Liverpool," the Bayern president told reporters.
"I can't say how things will transpire with Leverkusen."
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Bayern left stunned by Wirtz decision
According to German outlet Bild, Bayern have been left 'completely surprised' by Wirtz's decision to join Liverpool this summer.
The report claims that the Bavarians were confident of securing his services and were ready to pull off the biggest transfer in the club's history.
His father, Hans-Joachim Wirtz, informed Bayern executives Uli Hoeness and Eberl on Friday that his son was ready to test himself in a different league.
From Bayern's perspective, they were of the belief that Wirtz would stay in Germany for another three or four years before taking the leap to move abroad.
While Liverpool are in pole position, the Merseyside club still need to reach an agreement with Leverkusen over the structure of the deal.
Leverkusen are said to be demanding £126m to part ways with a player who is under contract until the summer of 2027.
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