Florian Wirtz stance clear as World Cup star's Liverpool rejection explained

Liverpool return to European competition midweek, but the club’s transfer talk is already moving toward the January window. After Villarreal is next on Tuesday night, speculation has again focused on Florian Wirtz. Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer addressed the situation, saying Bayern view Wirtz as “an outstanding player” and noting they are unlikely to make a January bid despite interest in the past. Hainer said the German’s struggles in England have been different from his Bayer Leverkusen form, and stressed Bayern’s need for him for the national team. Separately, Nico Williams’ agent Felix Tainta said Liverpool were among the clubs that pursued the Athletic Bilbao forward, who signed a long-term deal for 2025.