Four reliable journalists \u2013 two of which specialise on all things Liverpool \u2013 have set the record straight on Liverpool\u2019s pursuit of Florian Wirtz and two widely reported claims have been debunked.<\/p>\n
The future of Florian Wirtz<\/a> is dominating the transfer headlines at present and for obvious reasons. The German superstar is understood to be valued at a gigantic \u20ac150m by Bayer Leverkusen and a move on that scale would likely shatter records.<\/p>\n There is a genuine possibility Wirtz leaves Leverkusen this summer and the race for his signature is believed to have narrowed to two clubs \u2013 Bayern Munich<\/a> and Liverpool<\/a>. Manchester City pulled out of the race last week after baulking at the costs involved.<\/p>\n The Reds previously held a meeting in England with Wirtz\u2019s family who are helping to guide the player\u2019s direction of travel.<\/p>\n Liverpool are prepared to sanction a record-breaking bid for Wirtz if given clear indication from the player he\u2019s open to a new chapter in England.<\/p>\n Liverpool\u2019s current record purchase remains the \u00a385m (add-ons included) paid when signing Darwin Nunez from Benfica in 2022.<\/p>\n Bayern Munich, meanwhile, remain confident they\u2019ll fend off Liverpool\u2019s advances that reports in Germany suggested were being led by Michael Edwards.<\/p>\n It was also claimed Edwards \u2013 who is FSG\u2019s CEO of Football \u2013 had recently flown to Boston to hold an urgent meeting with FSG\u2019s top brass regarding Wirtz. The purpose of the alleged meeting was reportedly to make the funds needed to seal a deal \u2018available\u2019.<\/p>\n But according to a fresh update from The Daily Mail\u2019s Lewis Steele and Dominic King, no such meeting between Edwards and FSG took place in America.<\/p>\n Furthermore, the two reporters \u2013 who specialise on covering Liverpool \u2013 insisted it is Sporting Director Richard Hughes and not Michael Edwards who is leading Liverpool\u2019s transfer dealings this summer anyway.<\/p>\n The Mail\u2019s report read<\/a>: \u2018Contrary to reports in Germany, Fenway Sports Group chief Michael Edwards did not travel to the United States to get the \u2018green light\u2019 on finances to sign Wirtz.<\/p>\n \u2018He has no reason to travel to Boston and would deal with FSG over the phone \u2013 plus sporting director Richard Hughes is leading Liverpool\u2019s transfer business this summer.\u2019<\/p>\n The report then suggested the wayward reports in Germany may have been fed into the media by Bayern Munich.<\/p>\n The Mail continued: \u2018Perhaps Vincent Kompany\u2019s men are cranking up the volume on Liverpool\u2019s interest to make it look like they have pulled off a mighty coup when they eventually sign Wirtz. Or perhaps they are genuinely worried he might choose the Premier League champions.<\/p>\n \u2018The truth is probably somewhere in the middle: Wirtz is on holiday this week and has a big decision to make while on his sun lounger \u2014 does he taint his Bayer Leverkusen legacy by going to Bayern and strengthening their grip on the Bundesliga? Or does he test himself in England?<\/p>\n \u2018His mind is not made up yet but Liverpool will make a good push to sign him \u2013 and that is all there is to say at this stage.\u2019<\/p>\n What Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein have said<\/strong><\/p>\n Two of the most trusted reporters in the industry have also shared their insight into the Florian Wirtz saga.<\/p>\n Firstly, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano stated Liverpool have done their utmost to convince Wirtz to sign up. But for the time being, the 22-year-old is still to make up his mind.<\/p>\n \u201cThe player is now talking with his family and considering the options available,\u201d Romano said on his YouTube channel<\/a>. \u201cSo the battle for Florian Wirtz is absolutely ongoing.<\/p>\n \u201cBayern maintain their confidence to get the player and Bayern are pushing to close the deal for Wirtz. But also Bayern still need an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen.<\/p>\n \u201cOn Liverpool\u2019s side they remain calm. Liverpool made their best efforts to present the project to Wirtz.<\/p>\n \u201cLiverpool told the player \u2018if you want to come, we will be ready\u2019 in terms of negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen and in terms of offering him an important contract and important project.<\/p>\n \u201cBut it\u2019s really important to see what the player wants to do. The crucial part of this story is the player. Bayern maintain their confidence and Liverpool are still there, waiting to see what Florian decides to do.\u201d<\/p>\n The Athletic\u2019s David Ornstein was asked for his take on Wirtz during a Q&A on Thursday evening.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t have much of an update at this point, apologies,\u201d began Ornstein. \u201cClearly Liverpool are very interested, hence contacting his representatives to express that.<\/p>\n \u201cAs you will have seen word from The Etihad Stadium is that Manchester City are no longer in contention, citing the overall cost of any deal.<\/p>\n \u201cNo such word has emerged from Anfield to date and given the unique nature of the player they\u2019ll want to be in the mix if there\u2019s a chance to get him.<\/p>\n \u201cMany you speak to across the industry think Bayern remain in the driving seat, others reckon he\u2019ll go to Liverpool and some say he\u2019ll stay at Leverkusen.<\/p>\n \u201cThis indicates a lack of clarity at present and all that all parties are awaiting his decision.\u201d<\/p>\n Latest Liverpool news<\/strong><\/p>\n \ud83d\udd34\u00a0Liverpool star rules out summer exit, with different sale now assured<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n \ud83d\udd34\u00a0Liverpool make \u2018contact\u2019 for Alexander Isak deal and get immediate response<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n