Bayern rule out reviving Wirtz pursuit as Rummenigge admits surprise at Liverpool struggles

Bayern pouring cold water on a Wirtz return

Bayern Munich supervisory board member Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has all but ruled out a return for Florian Wirtz to the Bundesliga, insisting the club has no need — or appetite — to spend the kind of money the Liverpool playmaker would command.

Wirtz was a long-standing target for Bayern after helping Bayer Leverkusen complete an unbeaten Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double in 2023-24, before ultimately making a €137m (£116m) move to Anfield last year. But the 23-year-old is yet to deliver on that price tag under either Arne Slot or Andoni Iraola, registering just seven goals and nine assists in 55 appearances in all competitions.

Struggles at Anfield spark speculation

This season, Wirtz has made six appearances for Liverpool with just a single assist to his name, though he has created 12 chances — the third-most of any Reds player. His muted start to life in the Premier League has prompted suggestions that Bayern could look to bring the Germany international back home.

Rummenigge, however, pointed to the depth Vincent Kompany already has in that position, telling AZ: "First of all, that's not my job. You mustn't forget that Jamal Musiala and Serge Gnabry play in that position, and there are other options such as Ismael Saibari.

"There's no need to buy a fourth player for the amount of money Wirtz would probably cost. Whether something else could still be possible at some point? I don't know.

"The question is whether Wirtz is happy at Liverpool. I can't judge that.

"Uli [Hoeness] and I were in contact with his father and mother for a while. Then they made a different decision, and we respected that."

'Honestly: yes' — Rummenigge surprised by the downturn

While the Bayern legend insisted the club will not move for Wirtz, he admitted he did not expect the playmaker's form to dip so sharply on Merseyside. Asked if he was surprised by Wirtz's struggles in the Premier League, Rummenigge replied: "Honestly: yes.

"We were given the impression that he was going to Liverpool because the manager at the time, Arne Slot, had promised him the number 10 position, which he had also played at Leverkusen.

"That was an important factor in his decision to choose Liverpool. Financially, there were no dramatic differences. He made his decision, and we accepted it.

"That's why I say that every step a player takes is something he has to think through carefully beforehand."

International duty amid a fresh start

Wirtz is currently away on international duty with Germany, who have taken four points from their first two Nations League games under new head coach Jurgen Klopp, ahead of Thursday's clash with Serbia. With the European giants monitoring his situation, the coming months at Liverpool will be decisive for a player whose reputation was built on that remarkable unbeaten Leverkusen campaign.