Florian Wirtz told he'd 'be better off at Bayern Munich' than Liverpool as ex-chief 'still sorry' over failed bid to sign Germany star

Since joining Liverpool in the summer for a reported £116 million ($156m), Wirtz has struggled to fully assert himself. Starting six of seven appearances, the 22-year-old has managed only one assist, prompting questions about his adaptation to the Premier League. While he was left out of the Carabao Cup squad against Southampton, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has urged patience, reminding fans and pundits alike that Wirtz needs time to adjust to his new environment.

Bayern board member and former CEO Rummenigge feels Wirtz's situation would be much different had he opted to accept the Bundesliga side's offer when he chose to leave Bayer Leverkusen.

"I have to honestly say, I still feel sorry for Florian Wirtz because I think the player would be better off at Bayern Munich than at Liverpool," he told Welt.

It was a frustrating summer for Bayern that saw them miss out on several attacking targets. One of those was new Newcastle striker Woltemade, who agreed to join the Bundesliga champions from Stuttgart after talks with coach Vincent Kompany. Their offers were rejected by Stuttgart, though, and the Premier League side were able to swoop in late in the transfer window.

"We could have signed Woltemade," Rummenigge said. "But I also have to say that FC Bayern would be well advised not to go along with every financial madness. I've always said that we want sporting success, but please with serious and solid financing. We have a top team. We'll be back this year as well. And if the three currently injured players come back soon, then we'll have a superb team."

Bayern will host Werder Bremen in a Bundesliga clash that, on paper, heavily favours the Bavarians. Rummenigge’s reflections serve as a reminder of the club’s careful transfer policy and long-term planning, even amid high-profile disappointments. For Wirtz, the Premier League challenge continues, with the upcoming match against Crystal Palace offering a chance to break his scoring drought and justify the investment that Bayern narrowly missed.