According to a report from German outlet Sport1, it wasn’t primarily money or salary or even Bayer Leverkusen’s desire to send their man out of Germany and beyond the Bundesliga. Instead, it was Reds coach Arne Slot — who, like his Bayern counterpart Vincent Kompany, won his league in his first season at the helm.

Premier League champions Liverpool have reportedly stolen a march on Bayern Munich in the race for Florian Wirtz. Here is how the Reds could use the Germany star.

The Reds are thundering towards the sensational capture of Florian Wirtz, with Fabrizio Romano the latest top source to provide a crucial update.

News broke this morning that Liverpool FC had suddenly pulled ahead in the race for Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Germany men’s national team star Florian Wirtz — at Bayern Munich’s expense. Now, the mega-transfer — Leverkusen has reportedly been holding out for some €150M — is looking close to happening.

Wirtz has been targeted by both clubs but is believed to favour Liverpool — although they would still need to agree a deal with Leverkusen.

Florian Wirtz has picked Liverpool over Bayern Munich as his next club as the German star prepares to leave Bayer Leverkusen.