Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has admitted his surprise at Florian Wirtz’s struggles at Liverpool while suggesting a return to Germany is unlikely, although not entirely ruled out.
Wirtz has endured a difficult period since joining Liverpool for more than £100million.
He recorded seven goals and 10 assists across all competitions last season but has yet to consistently produce his best form under new head coach Andoni Iraola.
The 23-year-old is still adapting to his new surroundings, but his performances in key matches for Liverpool and Germany have already attracted criticism.
Bayern Munich were interested in signing Wirtz before he opted for a move to Liverpool, and recent reports have suggested the Bundesliga giants could still be interested in bringing him to Bavaria.
Speaking to German publication AZ, Rummenigge was asked about the possibility of Wirtz eventually joining Bayern.
Rummenigge responded: “First of all, that’s not my job [to sign players]. You mustn’t forget that Jamal Musiala and Serge Gnabry play in that position, and there are other options such as Ismael Saibari.
“There’s no need to buy a fourth player for the amount of money Wirtz would probably cost.
“That’s why I say: every step a player takes is something he has to think through carefully beforehand.”
It could be seen as a subtle dig at Wirtz’s decision, although Rummenigge admitted he was surprised by the difficulties the midfielder has experienced at Liverpool so far.
Rummenigge continued: “Honestly: yes [he is surprised]. We were given the impression that he was going to Liverpool because the manager at the time, Arne Slot, had promised him the number ten position, which he had also played at Leverkusen.
“That was an important factor in his decision to choose Liverpool. Financially, there were no dramatic differences. He made his decision, and we accepted it.”
The discussion then turned to the possibility of Wirtz joining Bayern in the future, with Rummenigge refusing to rule out a potential move.
Rummenigge added: “Whether something else could still be possible at some point? I don’t know.
“The question is whether Wirtz is happy at Liverpool. I can’t judge that. Uli [Hoeneß] and I were in contact with his father and mother for a while. Then they made a different decision, and we respected that.”
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