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LIVERPOOL ARE CLOSING IN ON THE SIGNING OF BAYER LEVERKUSEN STAR FLORIAN WIRTZ, WHO WAS A TOP TARGET FOR MANCHESTER UNITED DURING RALF RANGNICK'S STINT IN CHARGE OF THE RED DEVILS

14:32, 29 May 2025 Manchester United's missed opportunity to sign their 'top target' Florian Wirtz is set to come back to bite them as Liverpool edge closer to securing the

German sensation. Liverpool are currently holding talks with Bayer Leverkusen, having persuaded Wirtz and his representatives that his future lies on Merseyside. The 22-year-old's

family recently travelled to Liverpool to look at houses in the northwest of England, having been impressed by Arne Slot's vision for him and the Premier League champions going forward.

Liverpool have since tabled an initial offer of £85million plus add-ons for the German international after receiving approval from owners Fenway Sports Group. That figure falls short of

Leverkusen's valuation of the player, with the German club reportedly holding out for a deal that would exceed the Premier League transfer record, currently held by Chelsea's £115m

acquisition of Moises Caicedo in 2023. Even so, Wirtz's preference to join Liverpool over Bayern Munich means the Premier League title holders are the frontrunners in the race to

secure their long-term target, with negotiations between the two clubs expected to reach a resolution soon. Such news is likely to be met with huge disappointment in certain Manchester

circles after United passed up the opportunity to sign him three-and-a-half years ago. Article continues below During Ralf Rangnick's brief tenure at Old Trafford, the then-interim

manager compiled an extensive list of top transfer targets for the United board to pursue. Rangnick was appointed in December 2021 and was expected to start a two-year consultancy gig once a

permanent successor was identified at the end of the season. Ahead of his first transfer window at the helm in January 2022, his wishlist included the likes of Josko Gvardiol, Christopher

Nkunku and Erling Haaland. But his top target was an 18-year-old Wirtz. Wirtz at the time was enjoying a meteoric rise at Leverkusen, becoming the club’s youngest ever player in the

Bundesliga with his debut coming shortly after his 17th birthday in March 2020. His impressive tally of eight goals and eight assists the following season earned him a call-up to

Germany's senior squad in March 2021. Rangnick had hoped that the draw of the Premier League and Old Trafford might entice Wirtz to join United. Reports suggested that a transfer fee of

£60m could have been enough to persuade Leverkusen to let him go. However, United chose not to make any signings in January 2022, much to Rangnick's disappointment. The interim manager

left the club in May after securing only 11 wins from 31 games, ending United's pursuit of Wirtz. Since then, the attacking midfielder has emerged as one of Europe's most

promising talents thanks to his performances under Xabi Alonso. He played a crucial role in Leverkusen's unbeaten domestic double last season, attracting attention from clubs such as

Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Chelsea. Bayern, fresh off their Bundesliga triumph, were hopeful this summer of pulling off a transfer for Wirtz, who is tied to Leverkusen until 2027.

However, that fell apart after Wirtz and his parents – who represent him in negotiations – met with Bayern chief Max Eberl, club supremo Uli Hoeness and head coach Vincent Kompany. The Wirtz

family reportedly came away from the discussions feeling unimpressed and uncertain about Bayern's vision for the player. In stark contrast, Liverpool's approach in their meeting

with Wirtz's family left a strong impression due to a depth of knowledge around Wirtz, propelling them to the front of the line. Simon Rolfes, Leverkusen's managing director,

confirmed Liverpool's "concrete interest" during a press conference this week where Erik ten Hag was introduced as the new head coach. Rolfes said: "[Wirtz is] one of our

players. Naturally, there's a lot of interest. There's concrete interest from Liverpool but there's no more to say right now. Florian is our player." Article continues

below The blockbuster deal for Wirtz is just one part of Liverpool’s plans for the summer transfer window, with his Leverkusen team-mate Jeremie Frimpong also heading for Anfield in a £29.5m

deal, while Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez remains of interest. Their potential arrival is clear evidence of the pulling power of winning, with Slot able to convince players following

his Premier League title triumph. On a positive note for United and Ruben Amorim, they are nearing the completion of the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5m, with a medical for

the Brazilian forward imminent.