Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has declined to rule out a future Bayern Munich move for Florian Wirtz, but the club's supervisory board member says they have no need to pay the fee Liverpool would demand for the midfielder.
The comments, made in an interview with Münchner Abendzeitung (AZ), come amid speculation about a possible Bayern move for Wirtz after his difficult start at Anfield.
Rummenigge said Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry and Ismael Saibari already play in that position. "There's no need to buy a fourth player for the amount of money Wirtz would probably cost," he told AZ.
Asked whether Bayern would approach Wirtz again after failing to sign him in 2025, Rummenigge said: "First of all, that's not my job." He added that transfer decisions are made by the club's board.
AZ reported that nothing is currently behind the rumours of a fresh Bayern approach.
What Rummenigge Say About Wirtz Returning to Bayern Munich
Rummenigge did not close the door. Asked whether something might still be possible, he said: "I don't know. The question is whether Wirtz is happy at Liverpool. I can't judge that."
He said he and Uli Hoeneß were in contact with Wirtz's parents for a while during Bayern's pursuit. "Then they decided to take a different path, and we respected that," Rummenigge said.
He added that a player must think carefully before each career step. The remark was read in the German press as a mild dig at Wirtz's decision to leave Bayer Leverkusen for England.
Why Wirtz Choose Liverpool Over Bayern Munich
Rummenigge said Bayern were given the impression that Wirtz chose Liverpool because then-manager Arne Slot promised him the No. 10 role he had played at Leverkusen. "That was an important factor in his decision to join Liverpool," he said.
Rummenigge said money was not the deciding factor. "There were no big differences financially. He made his decision, and we accepted it."
AZ reported that Slot's plan was preferred to the one presented by Bayern coach Vincent Kompany. At Bayern, Wirtz would have had to compete with Musiala for the position.
Wirtz's father, Hans-Joachim, told Der Spiegel in 2025 that Slot's approach to possession and pressing was an important factor in his son's decision. He said turning Bayern down was difficult, partly because of Hoeneß's support after Florian's 2022 injury.
Slot has since left Liverpool. Andoni Iraola is now head coach. Rummenigge said he was surprised by how much Wirtz has struggled. "Honestly: yes," he said.
How Wirtz Is Performing at Liverpool Under Andoni Iraola
Wirtz has no goals and one assist in his first six appearances of the 2026-27 season, according to beIN Sports. He has created 12 chances during that period, the third-most of any Liverpool player.
His first season at Anfield produced seven goals and eight assists in 49 appearances, although the club finished fifth and without a trophy.
The latest criticism followed his side's 1-0 win at Bournemouth. Wirtz completed 26 of 37 passes, a team-low 70.3% completion rate, and created three chances. He was substituted with about 20 minutes remaining.
Jamie Carragher called it "one of the poorest I've ever seen him in a Liverpool shirt" on his podcast. Iraola told Sky Sports that Wirtz "started the game slowly" but helped Liverpool improve. However, Germany head coach Jürgen Klopp defended Wirtz at a press conference.
He said the midfielder made the move at an "absolutely unfavourable time" after the death of Diogo Jota, and that he is showing "a very good level physically".
Klopp selected Wirtz for his first Germany squad earlier than planned after Kai Havertz and Musiala were injured against the Netherlands. Musiala, whom Rummenigge had named as one of Bayern's options at No. 10, subsequently left the camp.
Liverpool paid a reported £116m for Wirtz in 2025. Rummenigge was referring to that fee when discussing his price.
