Liverpool won the race to sign Florian Wirtz making him the most expensive player in their history
Bayer Leverkusen chief Fernando Carro has criticised Bayern Munich for their behaviour prior to Liverpool signing Florian Wirtz.(Image: Photo by Nikki Dyer – LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Fernando Carro has criticised Bayern Munich’s actions during their pursuit of Liverpool summer signing Florian Wirtz. The Reds scored the blockbuster move for the Germany star after beating the Bundesliga champions and Manchester City to his signature.
Wirtz’s move to the Premier League was a record-breaking switch for Arne Slot’s side and could exceed Enzo Fernandez’s arrival at Chelsea from Benfica. Vincent Kompany’s side had a long and public interest in the 22-year-old as Bayern Munich wrestled back their German crown from Leverkusen, after the playmaker inspired their historic triumph under Xabi Alonso.
The Liverpool superstar joined up with his new teammates last week and also reunited with former Leverkusen clubmate, Jeremie Frimpong, who also made the move from Die Werkself this summer.
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Carro explained that he was surprised by Bayern’s public aggression regarding the pursuit of Wirtz and warned the Bundesliga giants in four simple words that they perhaps shouldn’t be quite so confident of landing his signature.
He told Sport BILD: “Bayern were apparently convinced that Florian would choose them. I told them: ‘We have other information’.
“Let me put it this way: This isn’t really appropriate. I was more surprised than bothered that they were so aggressive in public. But I don’t think it helped Florian and his parents.”
The Spaniard added: “When Florian and his parents told us it would be Liverpool, we weren’t sad under the circumstances.
“It’s no secret that we preferred a transfer abroad.”
The German giants were left reeling by their failed pursuit of Wirtz after pursuing his signature for a long time before losing out to the Premier League champions.
Bayern chief Uli Hoeness, in particular, spoke confidently about landing the German poster boy but gave a furious response after their season-ender in May.
The 22-year-old’s father Hans-Joachim, who also acts as his representative along with wife Karin, explained why the Reds ultimately won the race for his signature.
“You could say that. Arne Slot has impressed Florian on the pitch,” he began.
“He’s also a very pleasant person. Florian’s best coaches have always been those who gave him a lot of freedom.
“And those with the most empathy have also reached Florian.
“He finds the English game interesting because it thrives on pace and dynamism. Arne Slot presented his playing philosophy, the team tactics for possession and pressing, and how Florian can develop his strengths in these areas.
“That made a decisive impression on Florian. The training conditions in Liverpool were also totally impressive.
“Plus Florian is now at a good age to move abroad. With a family, you’re not as independent later on.”
Wirtz’s father continued: “Vincent Kompany also had very good thoughts and ideas about how he wanted to integrate Florian into the FC Bayern team.
“In the end, it was a matter of nuances; the decision ultimately had to do with the different sporting situations and Florian’s role.
“And financially, there weren’t any major differences between the two clubs anyway. Again, Bayern Munich really tried hard, but a decision had to be made.”