Latest news with #ex-Germany
Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
New verdict on Florian Wirtz to Liverpool transfer after Real Madrid 'surprise'
Liverpool are the clear favourites to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen but Xabi Alonso's relationship with the player has led to links with Real Madrid Former Germany boss Joachim Low felt that Xabi Alonso made Real Madrid the favourites to sign Florian Wirtz if he did choose to leave Bayer Leverkusen - but Liverpool are the team leading the race for his signature. The German playmaker has been heavily linked with the exit door at the BayArena as a number of Europe's biggest clubs circle. Originally Manchester City, Liverpool and Bayern Munich all expressed their interest - before Pep Guardiola's side backed out. Wirtz looks to have decided that he'd rather move to Anfield as opposed to the Allianz Arena with the Reds already seeing several bids rejected. Real were then credited with an interest in the player - amid reports they could hijack his move to Anfield. Their focus has been on landing a new manager and Los Blancos have appointed Alonso, their former player, as their latest boss. But despite his relationship with Wirtz, Liverpool remain on the brink of his transfer. The ex-Germany head coach told Bild: "I just thought he'd be more likely to choose Real Madrid if he went abroad. He has developed enormously under him [Alonso] and they have a great relationship of trust. That's very important for a young player. "Nevertheless, I have no concerns that Wirtz will prevail – no matter where he would have gone. He plays with a naturalness that can't be coached. He possesses all the skills a footballer needs to be a world-class player." Wirtz and Alonso were two of the leading figure as Leverkusen stunned the German establishment by winning the Bundesliga last season. They also claimed the German Cup with their playmaker scoring 34 times across the last two seasons, but The Black and Reds have seen a number of their major names depart this summer - Jeremie Frimpong among them. Low claimed that a switch to Bayern "would have been a good fit" for Wirtz but the Bavarians don't look set to battle for the 22-year-old - leaving Liverpool free to pursue him should they eventually agree on a price with Leverkusen, who are holding out for £126m before they agree to his exit. The former Germany boss claimed: "Liverpool is a real statement because moving to the Premier League also involves a lot of adaptation and that starts with the rhythm of the game, but Florian Wirtz has no upper limit, he's definitely ready for the next step. We've had that feeling for a long time." Ex-Liverpool and Germany midfielder Dietmar Hamann praised Wirtz for sticking with his decision to join the Premier League champions, despite interest from elsewhere. "Florian Wirtz has made a decision. I believe it's the right one," Hamann told Sky Sports Germany. "Things are really happening at Liverpool under Arne Slot. They'll sign, or want to sign, two or three other players, from what I hear. That's why I think Wirtz has made a very good decision."
Metro
2 days ago
- Business
- Metro
Joachim Low reveals why he's surprised Florian Wirtz is set to join Liverpool
Former Germany boss Joachim Low says he's surprised Florian Wirtz looks set to join Liverpool as he expected the midfielder to follow Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid. Liverpool have emerged as the overwhelming favourites to land Wirtz this summer, despite having an opening offer of around £109m rejected by Bayer Leverkusen. Having seen off strong competition from Bayern Munich and Manchester City, the Premier League champions are confident they will get their man – and Leverkusen would rather a resolution is found for the 22-year-old sooner rather than later. It's understood Reds are prepared to increase their bid to as high as £126m to wrap up the signing and some reports claim Wirtz has already begun house-hunting in the north west of England. Wirtz would become the second Leverkusen player to complete a switch to Anfield ahead of the forthcoming season following Jeremie Frimpong's arrival on Merseyside last week. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. 'Liverpool is a real statement because moving to the Premier League also involves a lot of adaptation and that starts with the rhythm of the game,' ex-Germany head coach Low told Bild when asked about Wirtz's decision. 'But Florian Wirtz has no upper limit, he's definitely ready for the next step. We've had that feeling for a long time.' Given the bond Wirtz shared with Alonso at Leverkusen, Low felt Real Madrid may have been a more logical next step for the Germany international. 'I just thought he'd be more likely to choose Real Madrid if he went abroad,' he added. 'He has developed enormously under him [Alonso] and they have a great relationship of trust. That's very important for a young player. 'Nevertheless, I have no concerns that Wirtz will prevail – no matter where he would have gone. He plays with a naturalness that can't be coached. He possesses all the skills a footballer needs to be a world-class player.' Bayern had initially been in pole position to seal a deal and spoke with Wirtz on the day the club celebrated their Bundesliga triumph in Munich. But the German champions appear to have conceded defeat to Liverpool in this summer's fiercely contested transfer race. 'It would have been a good fit had he joined Bayern Munich as well,' Low continued. I don't know what Vincent Kompany was thinking about the two of them [Wirtz and Jamal Musiala]. 'But the fact is: Last year, things worked out brilliantly with Wirtz and Musiala in the national team. 'With their style of play and finesse, they took the team to the next level, so that Germany can once again compete for titles. More Trending Wirtz was first called to the German national team when he was only 17 years old and Low – the man in charge at the time – always suspected the youngster was destined for big things. 'He was already very technically gifted and had outstanding orientation on the pitch,' he explained. 'Added to that is his incredible willingness to play without the ball… he runs into deep spaces a lot. 'This, in addition to his other footballing skills, makes him so strong and unpredictable.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Jack Grealish next club odds after Man City star left out of Club World Cup squad MORE: Lisandro Martinez makes Man Utd transfer decision after surprise Napoli links MORE: Sweden boss rubbishes Viktor Gyokeres transfer claim amid Arsenal talks
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Oliver Kahn pulls out of Bordeaux takeover talks
Oliver Kahn has pulled out his formal bid to take over fourth-tier side Girondins de Bordeaux. The ex-Germany international goalkeeper and his investment partners filed a 'plan de cession' last week with the court-appointed administrators and legal officials handling Bordeaux's ongoing financial crisis under the mandate of owner and club president Gérard Lopez. The submission arrived on the eve of a critical Commercial Court hearing in which the current club leadership would have presented its own proposal aimed at ensuring the club's survival. 'This winter, I decided to consider becoming the new owner of the Girondins de Bordeaux', Kahn wrote in a letter published by Sud Ouest. 'In January 2025, I submitted a formal offer to the current owner, later accompanied by proof of funds, and then presented an offer to the court administrator.' The former Bayern Munich CEO then adds he would not inject the €50m sum he previously committed to his takeover bid in light of the financial, operational and legal information shared with his investment partners. Advertisement 'It is therefore with great disappointment, despite extensive preparatory work and rigorous analysis, that we have made the carefully considered decision not to pursue our takeover plan', Kahn said, extending his thanks to Bordeaux's local authorities and the club's fans. GFFN | Bastien Cheval
Daily Mirror
29-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Florian Wirtz's reason for Man City transfer snub 'is to do with Pep Guardiola'
Liverpool have opened talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a deal to sign Florian Wirtz, who reportedly rejected a move to Manchester City earlier this month Manchester City may have missed out on securing a deal with Florian Wirtz because of concerns he had about Pep Guardiola's dedication to the club. Liverpool have stepped up their pursuit of the German striker, as they opened talks with Bayer Leverkusen following previous interest from both City and Bayern Munich. With a valuation of £126million, Wirtz has become a prime target for Liverpool, who now appear in pole position to sign the star following discussions with the German outfit. BILD reported that Wirtz was unsure about Guardiola's commitment to staying at City for the future, which may have swayed his transfer preference. However, any wider doubts about the Spaniard's future were quashed when he signed a two-year extension with Man City this past November, keeping him at the club until 2027. Wirtz was further swayed towards Anfield following Leverkusen's heavy 4-0 loss in the Champions League. He was stunned by the stadium's overpowering atmosphere and iconic stature in the competition. Leverkusen's managing director, Simon Rolfes, confirmed the Reds' keen interest in a recent press conference, but insists that the striker hasn't headed out the door just yet. He said: "It's currently an open subject with Florian. There is concrete interest from Liverpool, but there's no more to say right now. Florian is our player." In an interview with the German edition of Sports Illustrated, Wirtz candidly opened up about prioritising his career over financial gains previously, showcasing his dedication to the sport. Wirtz said: "When I moved from Cologne to Leverkusen, I didn't think for a second about what my salary would be. "I was only interested in what would be best for my career. I don't think about how much money I have in my account, or how much I could earn in the future. "The sporting perspective is much more important than money. My parents would be angry if I ever gave money priority." Liverpool fans will be further excited by Wirtz potentially joining their club, as Real Madrid icon Toni Kroos offered a glowing review of his ex-Germany teammate. Speaking to Bulinews, the six-time Champions League winner said: "If he thinks that's the best next step for him and his career, then that's good. You can technically only judge decisions like this afterwards, of course. "He [Wirtz] is a player who can prevail at any club in the world, in my opinion. It doesn't matter if it would've been Bayern or Liverpool, it's different from being at Leverkusen for sure — but he has all the tools to assert himself at any given top club." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Daily Mirror
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Ruben Amorim doubts emerge as Man Utd told reality – 'They'll probably sack him'
Former Liverpool and Bayern Munich midfielder Didi Hamann is doubtful that Ruben Amorim will walk away from Manchester United for free, claiming the club will have to sack him to get rid Ruben Amorim has claimed he will walk away from Manchester United if the "board and the fans feel I'm not the right guy". But one ex- Premier League star has made clear he doesn't believe the Red Devils head coach. Even more pressure has been piled on Amorim and the rest of the squad following their 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final on Wednesday. The Red Devils were favourites in Bilbao, but a scrappy Brennan Johnson goal on the stroke of half time sealed the deal for Spurs. It handed Tottenham their first piece of silverware in 17 years, while for United, the loss means they will finish this season trophyless and without any European glory since 2017. Post-match, Amorim told the media that he would walk away from the job at Old Trafford if the club's hierarchy and supporters show they believe he isn't in a place to take the team any further – but he still feels he is the man for the job. The 40-year-old said: "But I will not quit again. I am confident in my job. As you see, I will not change anything in the way I do things. "In this moment, I am not here to defend myself. It's not my style. I have nothing to show to the fans. In this moment [I need] a little bit of faith." Despite this bold claim, former Liverpool star Didi Hamann isn't convinced by Amorim's words of belief and confidence. The ex-Germany international, who had stints at Anfield as well as with Manchester City and Newcastle United, is adamant that the Red Devils will have to sack Amorim and pay up his wages if they really want a change in leadership next season. Speaking to Hamann said: "Walking out on Manchester United would mean Ruben Amorim forfeits three years of wages and I don't think we will see a manager do that. "If they want to get rid of them, they're probably going to sack him." Hamann also observed that the position the United players find themselves in is a tough one, and that the boss may be running out of messages of belief for a side that is winless in its last eight games. He added: "The thing is you go there, you've got ideas, and things have to work pretty quick because then people believe you, people follow you. "Now, if you get beat every week, sometimes you run out of things to say because you can't say to the lads: 'Listen lads, was a one-off, we're on the right path.' And you get beat again, what are you gonna say? "If it happens five or six times, sometimes you just run out of things to say. I think that's the stage where it is now." Since Amorim joined in November 2024, United have been dumped out of three separate cup competitions, dropped from 13th to 16th place in the Premier League, and been defeated in the Europa League final by fellow domestic strugglers Spurs. While their results in recent times in Europe have shown hope, including 3-0 and 4-1 wins over Athletic Club, fans are growing restless with the lack of success and real signs of progress around a club that was once so dominant in English football. Club captain Bruno Fernandes has backed Amorim to bring United back on top of the perch, as he said: "We just agreed that he's the right man. He has done a lot of good things. We know that the manager is looked at by the results. Obviously we see more than that as players. "We know for everyone it will be about him bringing back the positivity in the club, trying to bring the club back to fight for trophies, fight for the big trophies. And we all agree that he's the right man."
