Bayern Munich issue bitter statement after Florian Wirtz's Liverpool transfer U-turn

Bayern Munich chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen has pointed to the Bavarian club's involvement in the upcoming in an effort to emphasise their credentials amid Florian Wirtz's transfer U-turn. Germany international Wirtz had looked destined for Bayern, only for to steal a march.

Arne Slot's Reds, of course, aren't involved in the Club World Cup. Their recent European struggles are a big factor in that, though they would have qualified had they beaten in the 2022 final.

"Much more has been written than spoken," Dreesen told TZ (via the ). "FC Bayern is one of the absolute top clubs in Europe and the . Our appeal among fans, but also among players, is enormous.

"The fact that not every player will end up with us is simply part of the package; it's the same for other top clubs. But everyone knows: with , you can win everything every year, you're involved in every competition – the upcoming Club World Cup is a good example of that.

"Just look at which clubs are represented there – and, most of all, which (clubs) aren't. The best European clubs are competing there – including FC Bayern. Our appeal, sporting ambitions, and economic power are well known to all top players around the world."

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Bayern qualified for the upcoming Club World Cup via their standing in the UEFA four-year ranking. They also won this season's Bundesliga, finishing well clear of Wirtz's current club Bayer Leverkusen.

Vincent Kompany's side will take on Boca Juniors, Auckland City and Benfica in their group. The first of those games, against reigning OFC Champions League winners Auckland City, will take place on June 15.

Liverpool are understood to have lodged an opening bid of £85m for Wirtz. The sum would represent a club record fee, though sits below the nine-figure sum Leverkusen are reportedly chasing for the playmaker.

and Real Madrid had also been linked with Wirtz earlier in the spring. City had explored bringing him in as a replacement for the departing Kevin De Bruyne while , but Liverpool appear to lead the way.

“It’s currently an open subject with Florian,” Leverkusen chief Simon Rolfes said. “There is concrete interest from Liverpool, but there’s no more to say right now. Florian is our player.”

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