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Real Madrid was so preoccupied with pursuing other targets this summer that it allowed Liverpool to swoop in for Florian Wirtz, according to reports. The Reds secured a remarkable transfer for the former Bayer Leverkusen sensation earlier this summer.
The deal proved all the more extraordinary considering the German international had attracted attention from several European powerhouses. Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich were all reportedly monitoring his situation.
However, the Spanish giants failed to convert that interest into concrete action due to being occupied with other pursuits. According to The Times, Real were endeavoring to finalize an agreement for Wirtz's former boss Xabi Alonso, which could have bolstered their position.
Nevertheless, they had different objectives regarding new signings. Real had already secured a pre-contract arrangement with Trent Alexander-Arnold but were engaged in intensive talks with Liverpool to bring him in earlier, eventually agreeing a $10M fee.
The Spanish heavyweights also spent considerably in other areas as Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras and France Mastantuono all completed substantial transfers to the Santiago Bernabéu.
Upon finalizing his switch to Liverpool, Wirtz disclosed that current Real manager Alonso had urged him to make the move to Anfield.
He said: "It was Jeremie (Frimpong) who trained a bit my English skills because he was sitting next to me in the changing room. When I came from school, I couldn't speak English.
"(My English comes) from the changing room because even Xabi (Alonso), Xabi was speaking English. He was really happy that I am coming here. Because he was telling me he came also at 22 to Liverpool."
The Times also reports that the vision presented by Arne Slot at Anfield proved difficult for Wirtz to reject. Additionally, Bayern officials have consistently voiced their position, insisting they simply couldn't compete with Liverpool's financial proposal.
Speaking earlier this week, Uli Hoeness remarked: "We're very satisfied at FC Bayern. We are the real winners of the summer transfer window.
"We have a strong team and didn't need to strengthen it much. Of course, we would have liked to have Florian Wirtz, but we'd never have bought him for €150 million ($176 million)."
He subsequently commented: "Other clubs are playing Monopoly. Newcastle paid big for Nick Woltemade when we were interested. That's not how Bayern work – we won't be dragged into that kind of game."
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