Why Florian Wirtz decided to join Liverpool ahead of Manchester City? New report provides details ahead of potential move

Reliable journalist Paul Joyce has revealed the reason behind Florian Wirtz's decision to snub Manchester City and join Liverpool. As claimed by BBC, the Reds have agreed a club-record £116 million fee with Bayer Leverkusen for the 22-year-old's signature.

As claimed by Paul Joyce via Rousing the Kop, the German sensation was also wanted by Manchester City. However, as per Joyce, he turned the Cityzens down because of an uncertainty regarding Pep Guardiola's future at the club.

Wirtz reportedly wanted to know how long will Guardiola would be in charge of the Sky Blues and was not convinced by the response. Hence, he snubbed the chance to join the Cityzens and made up his mind to join Arne Slot's Liverpool side.

Manchester City have been linked with Wirtz for a long time, and he was touted as the long-term successor of Kevin De Bruyne. However, Liverpool have shown a massive statement of intent by breaking the bank for one of the most coveted players in world football.

Wirtz has been the star man for Bayer Leverkusen in the last few years, especially under Xabi Alonso in the last two seasons. He played a pivotal role in helping the German side win the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and DFL-Supercup in 2023-24.

The young playmaker has been named in the Bundesliga Team of the Season on three occasions. He was also named VDV Bundesliga Player of the Season in the last two seasons and Bundesliga Player of the Season in 2023-24.

The Liverpool-bound attacking midfielder has made 197 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen till date. He has contributed with 57 goals and 65 assists in the process.

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Andy Robertson makes feelings clear about Florian Wirtz amid Liverpool links

Liverpool star Andy Robertson has opened up on Florian Wirtz, who has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield. The Reds have reportedly agreed a £116 million with Bayer Leverkusen for the highly regarded Germany international.

Robertson, one of the senior players at Anfield, has welcomed the potential arrival of Wirtz. He has hailed the German's talent and backed him to become a top player. He told Sky Sports, via This is Anfield:

“He was excellent against us (Germany 5-1 Scotland at Euro 2024), I do remember that. Obviously that game was extremely tough for us, but he was excellent, he was the one causing us problems in the half-space, running in behind. He can mix it up."

The left-back added:

“I haven’t seen too much of him, but I’ve played against him and I think that was enough for me to see that he was going to be a top player! And then obviously we played Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League this year as well. I think we dominated that game a bit more and it was probably a bit more difficult, but certainly in the German team against us, he was excellent."

Robertson concluded:

“So, like you said, it looks as if, well, we certainly are linked with him – you can’t not see it – but you know, if we get him through then [he is] an exciting talent through the door. We’ve already got a lot of exciting talent in there and he’s a right good player and he’ll only help us. And if he does get through the door, then we’ll be excited to play with him.”

Robertson has been a key player for Liverpool since joining the Merseyside giants in 2017 from Hull City. He has made 342 appearances for the club till date contributing with 11 goals and 67 assists while winning nine trophies.

However, aged 31 now, he is no longer the player he used to be and had a pretty average last season, making several high-profile errors. With Liverpool heavily linked with Milos Kerkez, the Scotsman's role could be diminished next season.