Liverpool are frontrunners in race to sign Florian Wirtz

Controversial discussions surround the likely transfer of Leverkusen striker Florian Wirtz to Liverpool.

While most German media discuss a painful setback for contender Bayern Munich, the tabloid "Bild" described it as "shock-like news," while German record international Lothar Matthaus referred to the 22-year-old's reported decision to join LFC as "a defeat" for the Bavarians and supervisory board member Uli Hoeness.

"If they stick their neck out that far, it is overwhelmingly annoying to earn a no," the 150-time capped 1990 FIFA world champion said.

Florian Wirtz (L) of Bayer 04 Leverkusen vies with Ozan Kabak of TSG Hoffenheim during the first division of Bundesliga match in Leverkusen, Germany, March 30, 2024. (Photo by Joachim Bywaletz/Xinhua)

After the Bavarians felt falsely secure about the genius youngster's future, accompanied by leaked reports suggesting that things were close to being finalized, news of a secret trip by the Wirtz family to Liverpool emerged.

While the sports magazine Kicker reports on advanced transfer fee negotiations between the forward's club Leverkusen and LFC, the Munich-based "Abendzeitung" quotes Bayern president Herbert Hainer, who says that board member for sports, Max Eberl, informed him that Wirtz is leaning towards the Reds.

Reports suggest a Leverkusen demand of up to 150 million euros, while the 2024 German champion announced Dutch Erik Ten Hag as its new manager and successor to Spanish star coach Xabi Alonso on Monday.

Wirtz has a contract with Bayer until 2027.

Former Bayern captain and TV pundit Stefan Effenberg called a move to Liverpool "entirely plausible." The 56-year-old stated, "He has been granted the conducting role as the LFC team's leader, while things at Bayern appear more difficult."

Effenberg and other pundits assume Bayern struggled with their plans to combine Wirtz and Jamal Musiala. The 22-year-old Bavarian plays a pivotal role in Bayern's game, a responsibility that needed to be shared with Wirtz present.

"Wirtz went for the more convincing concept," the Munich-based "Sueddeutsche Zeitung" assumed.

German national coach Julian Nagelsmann mentioned maintaining regular contact with Wirtz and said, "If it is Liverpool, it is a good step as he is playing his perfect position."

Other media hail Wirtz's decision as a courageous move, suggesting the youngster is heading for new shores abroad as he is already familiar with the German national league.

The forward recently announced his intention to leave his comfort zone in Leverkusen soon.

Nagelsmann said Bayern would have been a perfect match too, but added, "I don't see a problem when both play for different clubs."

Reports indicated that the offensive midfielder immediately felt emotionally connected to the club and the city in Northwest England.

Former Real star and German international Toni Kroos praised Wirtz as talented enough to succeed at any major club. "It will be a big change, no matter where he is heading," the six-time UEFA Champions League winner said.

German media reports indicate that the Wirtz family is already exploring the real estate market in Liverpool, and Bayern has been notified of their decision to join LFC.