Revealed: Why Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz opted to snub Pep Guardiola and Man City in favour of Liverpool transfer

The 22-year-old Germany international has become one of the hottest properties in world football. He is ready to take on a new challenge in the summer of 2025 after becoming a Bundesliga title winner and gracing the Champions League at Leverkusen.

Big-spending sides in the Premier League have been scrambling to put a deal in place for the £126 million-rated ($170m) playmaker. With Kevin De Bruyne leaving City as a free agent, many viewed Wirtz as the perfect replacement in Manchester.

He is, however, reported to be edging closer to sealing a switch to Anfield. According to Bild, that is because Wirtz has concerns over the long-term future of City boss Pep Guardiola - who has said that he will leave the Etihad Stadium when his contract expires in 2027.

Wirtz wants more stable surroundings as he unlocks further potential in his game, which has led to him leaning towards newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool. Arne Slot is also working on a deal until 2027 there, but is expected to agree an extension if more major silverware makes its way to Merseyside.

Bild also claim that Wirtz is ready to embrace the “unique atmosphere” created by Liverpool supporters. He may find himself lining up alongside a familiar face in 2025-26, with Dutch full-back Jeremie Frimpong also discussing a move to Anfield.