- Arne Slot played a decisive role in Florian Wirtz’s decision to choose Liverpool over Bayern Munich and Manchester City
- The Leverkusen star was convinced after a direct meeting with Slot on 13 May, ahead of a scheduled discussion with Bayern’s top officials
- Manchester City dropped out after Guardiola gave no guarantee he would stay at the club beyond 2025
Key Takeaways:
Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot played a key role in Florian Wirtz’s decision to choose the Merseyside club as his next destination. According to Bild, the 22-year-old Bayer Leverkusen star had a direct meeting with Slot on 13 May, after which he made up his mind to join Liverpool, despite Bayern Munich believing they were close to securing his signature.
Bild reports that Wirtz was captivated by the passion of the Dutch manager, the identity of the club, and the devotion of its fans. Slot also promised the German attacker a central role in Liverpool’s forward line, which further influenced his choice.
SZ reports Kompany spoke to Wirtz for an hour to show how he will incorporate him in the team, by the end had doubts, impression Arne Slot had already dug deep in Florian’s mind. Bayern strategy was sign him then figure out rest. Arne Slot presented a plan where game would be… pic.twitter.com/DzVxO9pIn7
— Moby (@Mobyhaque1) May 29, 2025
Following the meeting, Wirtz’s father encouraged him to listen to Bayern’s pitch as well before making a final decision. The Bavarian club arranged a meeting five days later in a hotel in Munich, with Vincent Kompany, Uli Hoeness, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Jan-Christian Dreesen, Max Eberl, and Christoph Freund all present. Kompany came prepared with a full presentation, and the club hierarchy made every effort to persuade the player to move to the Allianz Arena.
Still, Bild claims Kompany expressed doubts immediately after the meeting, suspecting that the best player in the Bundesliga would turn them down. That fear was confirmed just days later when Wirtz officially informed Bayern of his decision.
One more detail emerged from Bild regarding Wirtz’s contact with Manchester City. The German star had also spoken with Pep Guardiola, but the Spaniard reportedly did not commit to fulfilling his contract through to the summer of 2027. That uncertainty ended City’s pursuit of the player, with Liverpool now emerging as the clear frontrunner.