Wirtz, who is currently on holiday after the UEFA Nations League finals, is poised to complete a high-profile move to the Premier League champions. Bayern had prioritized the German playmaker but suffered a blow when he expressed a preference for joining Liverpool, ending the Bavarians' pursuit.
Sporting director Max Eberl and director of sport Christoph Freund, both present with the squad at the FIFA Club World Cup, are now exploring alternative options to bolster Bayern's attacking ranks. While Bayern have shown interest in Freiburg's Ritsu Doan as a potential backup winger, sources stressed that the club is targeting at least one major "difference-maker" addition.
This urgency is underscored by the impending departures of club veterans Thomas Muller and Leroy Sane after the Club World Cup. Sane declined Bayern's contract extension offer, reportedly worth 12 million euros per season, opting instead to join Turkish champions Galatasaray. Kingsley Coman's future remains uncertain, though he has dismissed moves to Saudi Arabia and currently has no clear next destination.
Midfielder Joshua Kimmich openly acknowledged the need for reinforcements: "Of course, you get the feeling that we should do something. Because Flo (Wirtz) does not come. Because Leroy (Sane) will be gone. Because Thomas (Muller) will be gone."
Earlier in the window, Bayern showed serious interest in AC Milan's Leao but have been deterred by Milan's high valuation, reportedly north of 100 million euros. The club appears reluctant to match such a price tag for another attacker.
More affordable alternatives include Athletic Club's Williams, who commands a release clause of approximately 60 million euros. Williams, linked with Barcelona, reportedly favors a move to LaLiga's giants but remains on Bayern's radar should negotiations falter.
Another promising but complex target is Paris Saint-Germain's Barcola. The 22-year-old winger recently secured a UEFA Champions League winner's medal with PSG and is highly valued by manager Luis Enrique. Bayern have reopened talks with Barcola's representatives - Eberl even pursued him during his tenure at RB Leipzig - but a deal could prove challenging both financially and competitively.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace's Eze has attracted interest from multiple top clubs, including Bayern and Manchester United, following strong performances in the Premier League and for England.
Eberl faces mounting pressure amid tough contract negotiations with key players Alphonso Davies and Kimmich, alongside the costly failure to secure Wirtz. Speaking in Cincinnati ahead of Bayern's Club World Cup opener, Eberl remained cautiously optimistic: "The transfer window is open until September 1. Plenty of water will go down the Isar-or the Ohio River."
With Bayern seeking to maintain their dominance domestically and compete at the highest European level, the upcoming weeks will be critical in determining the shape of their squad.
Liverpool have sealed a high-profile transfer for Bayer Leverkusen's prodigious playmaker Florian Wirtz, bolstering their squad with one of Europe's brightest talents.
Borussia Dortmund's dynamic winger Jamie Gittens has been urged to channel his energy into the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup as transfer talks with Chelsea have been put on hold.
Bayern Munich's transfer plans are shifting as Kingsley Coman quashes exit rumours and Sacha Boey's future at the club takes an unexpected turn.
Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly on the verge of securing a major coup with the imminent signing of Liverpool's promising centre-back Jarell Quansah, as transfer talks between the two clubs reach their final stages.
