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Liverpool and Wirtz Move May Trigger Bayern Munich Interest in Gakpo

Wirtz Turns Towards Anfield

In a summer already thick with transfer rumour and strategic posturing, Liverpool find themselves at the heart of another high-stakes power play in European football. According to The Mirror, Florian Wirtz, long admired by Bayern Munich, is now leaning towards a switch to Liverpool, and the ripple effect of that decision could have major implications.

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Bayern president Herbert Hainer all but confirmed Wirtz’s preference for Anfield, stating that their sporting director Max Eberl had been told of the 22-year-old’s intention to join Liverpool. It is a bold coup for the Premier League champions, not only in terms of talent acquisition but also in demonstrating their clout in convincing elite European players to buy into Arne Slot’s vision.

Bayern’s Response: Interest in Gakpo

In response to Wirtz’s apparent snub, Bayern are said to be shifting focus to Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo. The Dutchman enjoyed a strong campaign with 25 goal contributions in 49 appearances and has grown into a more influential figure at Anfield, particularly during the title run-in.

Photo: IMAGO

While Gakpo may not be a natural replacement in Wirtz’s No.10 mould, his versatility across the front line appeals to Bayern. With their plans for a new playmaker now scrapped, the search for a left-sided forward has moved up the agenda — and Gakpo’s name is high on the shortlist.

Liverpool’s Transfer Equation

From Liverpool’s perspective, this is less about Gakpo and more about numbers. With Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota both facing uncertain futures, Arne Slot cannot afford to lose another attacking option unless the fee is substantial. Mirror Football reports that Liverpool would only consider a sale north of £75 million.

Gakpo’s status in the squad is increasingly significant, particularly given the tactical evolution expected under Slot. There is little appetite internally to sell, though history suggests every player has a price.

Activity Continues Behind the Scenes

Beyond Gakpo and Wirtz, Liverpool remain active in the market. Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez are among those being monitored, indicating a wider rebuild is taking shape.

Bayern, meanwhile, are also tracking Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma and Milan’s Rafael Leão, as they reshape their frontline in the absence of Wirtz.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

The timing of Bayern’s apparent Gakpo interest feels more retaliatory than strategic. There’s always a degree of gamesmanship at this level, and if Wirtz is indeed headed for Anfield, then Bayern’s attention turning to one of our own is hardly a coincidence.

But there’s little logic in selling Gakpo now. He’s just hit his stride, shown he can adapt across multiple roles, and fits the profile of what Arne Slot will need in a fluid forward line. At 26, he’s coming into his prime, and £75 million — even if it’s tempting — would be difficult to reinvest wisely given market inflation.

If anything, this report should be a reminder to Liverpool’s hierarchy of how valuable Gakpo is. Bayern aren’t fishing randomly — they know quality. That interest alone should be a reason to double down on his future at the club, not cash in.

Supporters have seen this script before, and while business must be done, weakening a title-winning squad to accommodate another club’s failure would be a misstep. Liverpool must stand firm.