Bayern chief rules out Wirtz January move as Williams agent confirms Liverpool's past interest

Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer has played down the prospect of a January move for Florian Wirtz, even as the German international continues to struggle for form at Liverpool, while Nico Williams’ agent has revealed the Reds were one of several major clubs rebuffed by the Athletic Bilbao winger last summer.

Wirtz has drawn attention this season after failing to replicate the performances that made him one of Europe’s most coveted players during his time at Bayer Leverkusen. Hainer acknowledged the 21-year-old’s difficulties in adapting to English football but stopped well short of signalling a rescue bid from the Allianz Arena.

“First of all, I think Florian Wirtz is an outstanding player, there’s absolutely no question about that,” Hainer told SportBild. “I almost feel a little sorry for him that he hasn’t yet reached the same form in England that he had at Leverkusen, because we also need him for the German national team.”

Hainer was quick to stress that Bayern’s current squad depth makes a January pursuit unnecessary. The Bavarians reached 30 goals in all competitions this season with a midweek draw against Viking, and their president made clear the club’s focus remains on their own players. “We have such a top-class squad, we’re incredibly happy at the moment, and therefore it’s not an issue for us,” he added.

Separately, the agent of Spain winger Nico Williams has shed light on why his client chose to sign a long-term contract extension with Athletic Bilbao in 2025 despite interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe following his standout performances at Euro 2024.

“We all know about Barca’s interest in the summer of ‘24, following the European Championship,” Felix Tainta told the Los Fulanos podcast. “Barca, Arsenal, Bayern, Liverpool, PSG… I could name them all. Everyone wanted Nico, and it’s no small feat for a player to say ‘no’ to all these clubs.”

The confirmation places Liverpool among the elite sides that pursued Williams before he committed his future to the Basque club. The Reds were active in last summer’s transfer window and the Williams revelation underlines the level of attacking talent Arne Slot’s side explored before the window closed.

Liverpool face Villarreal in the Champions League at Anfield on Tuesday, with the club looking to extend their unbeaten run in the competition. Ryan Gravenberch returns to the squad after serving a one-match ban following his red card in the Premier League defeat to Manchester City.