Liverpool news: Florian Wirtz transfer decision reached as World Cup star's agent confirms Reds interest

· Mirror

Liverpool were busy in the summer transfer window but there has been chat about more potential ins or outs in January

It's another big European week for Liverpool, who will follow up their Premier League trip to Brentford with another night under the lights at Anfield. Villarreal are the visitors in the Champions League on Tuesday and Andoni Iraola's team have a chance to make it three wins from three in the competition.

Iraola has been without some key players of late, not least in the league loss at home to Manchester City. Ryan Gravenberch was sent off in that game but only received a one-match ban so will be available going forward after missing Saturday's game in West London.

Summer signing Bradley Barcola got off the mark last Wednesday, scoring a hat-trick in a 6-3 win at LASK. However, another of the Reds' big-money stars, Florian Wirtz, has found himself in the spotlight this season.

We've got the latest on Wirtz after speculation over a January exit, as well as more on another attacking player who the Reds weren't able to sign in the past. Here are our latest lines from around Anfield.

Bayern chief responds to Wirtz links

Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer has admitted he feels sorry for Florian Wirtz amid the German international's struggles at Liverpool. However, he stopped short of suggesting the Bavarian club would make a January move for a player they admired during his Bayer Leverkusen days.

> "First of all, I think Florian Wirtz is an outstanding player, there’s absolutely no question about that," Hainer said, per SportBild. "I almost feel a little sorry for him that he hasn’t yet reached the same form in England that he had at Leverkusen, because we also need him for the German national team."

Bayern won a domestic double last season despite missing out on Wirtz and continue to thrive going forward, scoring their 30th goal in all competitions this season when they drew with Viking in midweek. "We have such a top-class squad, we’re incredibly happy at the moment, and therefore it’s not an issue for us," Hainer added.

Williams agent confirms Liverpool interest

Nico Williams' agent Felix Tainta has confirmed Liverpool were among several top clubs interested in the Athletic Bilbao star after his Euro 2024 exploits. The winger signed a long-term deal in 2025, though, and Tainta has shed light on the past interest and the decision to stay put.

> "We all know about Barca’s interest in the summer of ’24, following the European Championship," he told the Los Fulanos podcast. "Barca, Arsenal, Bayern, Liverpool, PSG … I could name them all. Everyone wanted Nico, and it’s no small feat for a player to say ‘no’ to all these clubs."

However, the agent indicated a need for playing time was a factor in ignoring further interest from Barca 12 months on. "We decided that, without certain guarantees, we couldn’t risk Nico ending up somewhere where he wouldn’t play, especially with a World Cup on the horizon," he added. "And even setting the World Cup aside, he is a professional player who needs to be able to practice his profession and play."

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