Kane saves Tuchel's blushes as England limp past Andorra

What next for Sancho after Chelsea snub?

Eight issues Chelsea must fix in the transfer window

Madrid must loan out Endrick to make room for Mastantuono

Biggest winners & losers as Lionesses name Euros squad

Editors' Picks

WATCH: Son's priceless reaction as he's asked if he's better than Salah

How to buy Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Copa del Rey tickets

Scotland World Cup 2026 qualifying: Group, fixtures & results 

Santos Laguna vs Monterrey: Stream, TV & where to watch

Where to watch Ronaldo's Al-Nassr games: Stream & TV info

How to buy Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad Copa del Rey tickets

Where to watch & stream live MLS games

Man Utd live stream and TV channel broadcast info

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Playmaker ready to leave Leverkusen</li><li>Could replace De Bruyne at the Etihad</li><li>Ready to make move to Merseyside</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Revealed: Why Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz opted to snub Pep Guardiola and Man City in favour of Liverpool transfer

<p>The 22-year-old Germany international has become one of the hottest properties in world football. He is ready to take on a new challenge in the summer of 2025 after becoming a Bundesliga title winner and gracing the Champions League at Leverkusen.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Big-spending sides in the Premier League have been scrambling to put a <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/player/f-wirtz/news/2k5g68ywtr79lc45wozvifqlm" target="_blank">deal in place for the £126 million-rated ($170m) playmaker</a>. With Kevin De Bruyne leaving City as a free agent, many viewed Wirtz as the perfect replacement in Manchester.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>He is, however, reported to be edging closer to sealing a switch to Anfield. According to <a href="https://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/florian-wirtz-warum-er-bayern-wirklich-absagte-6835b82c8063414c22afb371 " target="_blank"><em>Bild</em></a>, that is because Wirtz has concerns over the long-term future of City boss Pep Guardiola - who has said that he will <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/pep-guardiola-stay-man-city-sign-new-contract-legendary-manager-pen-new-deal-beyond-2025-seismic-decision-future/blt2bd797b9fcb666fa" target="_blank">leave the Etihad Stadium when his contract expires in 2027</a>.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Wirtz wants more stable surroundings as he <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/liverpool-lodge-bid-100m-florian-wirtz-transfer-for-bayer-leverkusen-sensation/bltab6ebdfd361caa8b" target="_blank">unlocks further potential in his game</a>, which has led to him leaning towards newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool. Arne Slot is also working on a deal until 2027 there, but is expected to agree an extension if more major silverware makes its way to Merseyside.</p>

TELL ME MORE

<p>Bild also claim that <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/liverpool-fans-florian-wirtz-backed-anfield-favourite-former-germany-stars-hint-reason-bayer-leverkusen-star-snubbed-bayern-munich-for-arne-slot/blt85ca5e73920526a4" target="_blank">Wirtz is ready to embrace the “unique atmosphere” created by Liverpool supporters</a>. He may find himself lining up alongside a familiar face in 2025-26, with Dutch full-back <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/video-jeremie-frimpong-bayer-leverkusen-england-liverpool-transfer/bltc8aad9335efa0bc1" target="_blank">Jeremie Frimpong also discussing a move to Anfield</a>.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

Revealed: Why Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz opted to snub Pep Guardiola and Man City in favour of Liverpool transfer | Goal.com

The reasons for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz snubbing Manchester City in favour of a transfer to Liverpool have been revealed.