“Florian impressed this decisively”
Wirtz-Vater reveals: he cut out Uli Hoeneß
07/17/2025 – 4:57 p.m.Reading time: 2 min.
Bayern had imagined it differently. Florian Wirtz does not play for the German record champion next year, but for Liverpool. However, Wirtz was difficult for the decision.
“Nuances” ultimately made the decisive factor for the change, Hans-Joachim Wirtz explained to the “Spiegel”. There were also “no big differences” in the salary. The decision was by no means made against Bayern – but for the project in Liverpool. “It was therefore very difficult for me to make the final phone call with Uli Hoeneß,” said Hans-Joachim Wirtz.
Hoeneß and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge tried “incredibly” to his son. The family commitment after the cruciate ligament rupture 2022 was particularly remembered: At that time, Hoeneß had organized a fast surgery appointment in Innsbruck. “We are still grateful for that,” emphasized Wirtz.
The decisive factor for the move to England was a personal conversation with Liverpool’s coach. “Arne Slot has presented his game philosophy, the team tactics in possession and pressing and how Florian can develop his strengths in it. Florian impressed this,” said Wirtz ‘father. In addition, the time for a change abroad is currently ideal: “With a family, you are no longer so independent later.”
With the change from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool for around 140 million euros, Wirtz is the most expensive German football player to date.