Liverpool receive Florian Wirtz boost with Bayern Munich believing he won’t join them

Liverpool have received a major boost in their pursuit of Florian Wirtz, with Bayern Munich believing the playmaker will not be joining them and is on track for a move to Anfield if he leaves Bayer Leverkusen this summer.

Wirtz has been targeted by both clubs but is believed to favour Liverpool — although they would still need to agree a deal with Leverkusen, which is not a formality given the finances involved.

The 22-year-old Germany international has already visited the north west of England to look for houses to live in, should the move proceed, with Bayern informed of Wirtz's transfer preference.

Wirtz is among the most sought-after attacking talents in world football, having played a key role in Leverkusen's 2023-24 Bundesliga title-winning campaign. He provided 18 goals and 20 assists across 49 appearances in all competitions and was named Bundesliga player of the season as Leverkusen went unbeaten domestically.

He registered 16 goals and 15 assists in 45 games this season as Leverkusen finished second in the Bundesliga.

Wirtz's Leverkusen contract runs through to 2027. The club's CEO Fernando Carro said in April that Wirtz had a "very high chance" of staying at Leverkusen.

Speaking in May, the Germany international told Sports Illustrated he was "definitely keen" to leave his comfort zone "at some point and "experience something new".

Wirtz has been capped 29 times at senior level since his debut in 2021 and was part of Julian Nagelsmann's squad at the 2024 European Championship.