Arne Slot reportedly made a crucial late intervention to convince Florian Wirtz to snub Bayern Munich for Liverpool this summer.
The German attacker, 22, is one of the biggest names on the market in the upcoming transfer window with Liverpool going head to head with Bayern to tempt the Bayer Leverkusen star to join.
That came after Man City withdrew from the race over soaring fees and Bayern had remained as favourites, before Mail Sport reported last week that the Reds were edging ahead for the 22-year-old, who scored 16 goals and registered 15 assists this season.
Hans-Joachim Wirtz, Florian’s father, then reportedly informed Bayern executives Uli Hoeness and Max Eberl of his son’s decision to choose Liverpool during a phone call last week after the trio met up.
It is said that Wirtz’s father – who acts as his agent – revealed the 22-year-old is keen for a new challenge outside of the Bundesliga after spending five years in Leverkusen’s first team. Wirtz’s decision to snub Bayern in favour of Liverpool is claimed to have left officials at the club shocked.
And, according to German outlet Bild, a decisive meeting with Slot on May 13 was critical in Wirtz’s decision.
Arne Slot’s role in Liverpool’s attempts to sign Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz has been revealed
The German star, 22, has been the subject of major interest from Liverpool and Bayern Munich
But Liverpool are set to win the race after Wirtz made the decision to snub Bayern’s interest
The report claims that the 22-year-old was given permission by Leverkusen to speak to both the Dutchman and Bayern boss Vincent Kompany and Wirtz travelled to England earlier this month.
During a meeting, it is said that Slot left Wirtz captivated, not only with his own passion but also that of the club and its fans.
Elsewhere, discussions about Wirtz’s specific role similarly played a major role in his decision.
Slot was clear in his plans of where Wirtz would be playing in his title-winning side and the German was also promised that he would be a central part of Liverpool’s attack.
The 22-year-old did hold further conversations with Bayern on May 18, with the Bavarian giants desperate to do all they could to entice Wirtz, one of the best young players in the world, to join.
A secret meeting took place in Munich on May 18, the same day that Bayern were publicly celebrating regaining the Bundesliga from Leverkusen.
The report goes on to claim that Wirz’s father had advised his son to have another think about his pending decision ahead of that gathering, even though he was believed to be leaning towards a move to the Premier League.
After being flown into Munich, Wirtz was picked up by Bayern in a limousine and then secretly transported to an unnamed hotel.
Wirtz was left captivated by Slot after being promised a central role in Liverpool’s attack
The German also held a private meeting with Vincent Kompany and several key Bayern figures
Wirtz then spoke to Kompany in a private room, where the Belgian explained how he would fit into his side and put on a charm offensive, using his laptop to show a presentation to the 22-year-old.
Another meeting then took place in a hotel suite with several key Bayern figures, including board members Uli Hoeness, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Jan-Christian Dreesen and sports directors Max Eberl and Christoph Freund.
They were desperate to convince Wirtz to move to Munich, but Kompany is said to have already harboured concerns that Bayern were set to be snubbed by the Leverkusen star.
And, days after that final meeting, Kompany’s fears came true as Wirtz informed the club of his preference.
This was confirmed by Bayern president Herbert Hainer on Saturday when he said: ‘Max Eberl informed me that Florian Wirtz is probably leaning towards Liverpool.’
Meanwhile, Mail Sport has previously revealed Liverpool have made formal contact with Leverkusen and the clubs will now negotiate over the hefty fee and potential add-ons.
If Wirtz did complete a move, he would likely cost a British transfer record fee as Leverkusen want €150m (£125.9m).
