Florian Wirtz’s Father Finally Reveals Why He Snubbed Manchester City and Chose Liverpool Instead

Florian Wirtz’s big move to Liverpool has taken many by surprise — not just because of the price tag, but because of who he turned down along the way. Now, in a revealing interview, the player’s father and representative, Hans-Joachim Wirtz, has set the record straight about what really happened behind the scenes — and why Manchester City’s interest never turned into a full-blown transfer battle.

A Tug of War That Never Was?

The 21-year-old German playmaker, who dazzled in Bayer Leverkusen’s title-winning campaign last season, had long been on the radar of Europe’s biggest clubs. With reported interest from Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool, many expected a drawn-out summer saga.

But according to Wirtz’s father, only two clubs were actually serious when it came to making a move: Bayern Munich and Liverpool.

“Several clubs were interested, but in the end, Bayern and Liverpool were the only serious contenders,” Hans-Joachim Wirtz told Der Spiegel.

While Manchester City had monitored Wirtz for months, even evaluating how he could fit into Pep Guardiola’s evolving midfield, they ultimately stepped back. The reason? A combination of sky-high valuation, transfer complications, and fierce competition.

Why Liverpool Won the Race

City weren’t willing to enter a potential bidding war that could have climbed as high as €300 million including add-ons and wages. Liverpool, however, saw Wirtz as a must-have for Arne Slot’s new-look team.

Slot played a crucial role in the transfer, personally convincing Wirtz with his tactical vision and philosophy.

“Arne Slot was able to convince Florian on a sporting level. He is also a very pleasant person,” Wirtz Sr. explained.
“Florian’s best coaches were always those who gave him freedom — and empathy. Slot showed exactly that.”

It wasn’t just about money. It was about the right sporting project, the perfect age to move abroad, and the chance to play a starring role in a team built around high energy, high pressing football.

City’s Midfield Strategy

Despite missing out on Wirtz, Manchester City’s midfield is far from thin. The club recently added names like Tijjani Reijnders, Nico Gonzalez, and Rayan Cherki — signaling a push toward younger, more dynamic profiles.

Instead of splashing hundreds of millions on Wirtz, City are putting faith in existing talent like Phil Foden, Oscar Bobb, and Cherki to carry the creative load next season.

But that doesn’t mean the door is shut forever.

City insiders insist the club will continue monitoring Wirtz’s development, as they often do with top-tier talent. In football, especially under Guardiola, timing is everything.

A New Chapter Begins at Anfield

For now, Wirtz is preparing for life in red. Liverpool’s training facilities, coaching staff, and tactical setup all made a lasting impression on the young German — and according to his father, he’s ready for the Premier League spotlight.

“The game in England thrives on pace and dynamism,” said Wirtz’s father. “That suits Florian.”

Wirtz is expected to feature prominently in Slot’s system, possibly in a roaming No.10 role behind Darwin Núñez or Cody Gakpo. Liverpool fans are already buzzing about what he could bring to a side that’s rebuilding under a new era.