We couldn’t - Bayern director makes admission on Liverpool-bound Wirtz

Max Eberl has confirmed that Liverpool outbid Bayern Munich for Florian Wirtz. 

The Bayer Leverkusen star is set to become a club-record signing for the Reds, with a nine-figure deal anticipated to be finalised in the coming days.

Wirtz, who contributed 22 Bundesliga goal involvements last season, was a highly sought-after player during the recent early transfer mini-window. 

However, the Bayern director has now conceded that Bayern simply could not match the financial strength of the Premier League champions, despite their high regard for the player. 

Eberl noted that while one door may close, another often opens, hinting at alternative targets.

"If I'm honest, I don't know if we could have paid what Liverpool are apparently paying now," Eberl said, speaking to Sky Germany via The Standard.

"Florian Wirtz is an outstanding player. We could have imagined signing him. But when a door closes, another opens."

The Bavarians have reportedly identified Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku as a potential alternative. 

Bayern may have an opportunity to observe Nkunku closely at this summer's Club World Cup, with both clubs participating in the United States.

Bayern begin their Club World Cup campaign against Auckland City on June 15 before playing Boca Juniors and Benfica on June 21 and 24, respectively.