Is the Wirtz Era About to Begin as Bayern Says Goodbye to Muller?

Berlin (Germany), May 8 (NationPress) A transformation of superstars seems imminent in Munich. As the 2024-25 Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich gear up for Thomas Muller's final home match against Borussia Monchengladbach, marking his record-setting 750th appearance, supporters are eagerly awaiting not just an emotional farewell but also the presentation of the league trophy.

Amid the festivities, there is a growing buzz surrounding Florian Wirtz, the most coveted player in German football. The Bayer Leverkusen sensation is reportedly on the verge of initiating a new chapter at Bayern, with the club prepared to invest as much as 150 million euros to acquire his services, according to Xinhua.

Reports indicate that Wirtz has communicated to Leverkusen and coach Xabi Alonso his desire to transfer solely to Bayern. Uli Hoeneb, a member of the supervisory board, has allegedly been involved in clandestine negotiations for several months, meeting multiple times with Wirtz's father and agent, Hans-Joachim Wirtz.

The tabloid Bild has reported that the 22-year-old forward has made his choice known. His recent remarks have only intensified the speculation.

"It drives me to step out of my comfort zone," Wirtz stated. "I am familiar enough with locker rooms to adapt anywhere." The German international emphasized that financial incentives have never been his primary motivator, rather his sporting ambitions. "When I joined Leverkusen at 16, my parents allocated me just €150 per month from my earnings to prevent overspending."

He also commended his teammates from South America and Africa for their bravery in leaving home to pursue their dreams. "Until now, I've always had everything and everyone close by," he remarked.

With Wirtz's name dominating the news, the leadership at Bayern Munich is reportedly planning significant staff changes and a tactical shift. A dual playmaker setup featuring Wirtz and Jamal Musiala is being considered. To fund this transfer, Bayern might sell key players such as Leroy Sane, Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry, and Leon Goretzka.

With two matches remaining, Bayern has already netted 93 goals, putting the single-season record of 101 goals set in 1971-72 within reach.

Nevertheless, Muller's farewell after a remarkable 25 years at the club is expected to take the spotlight at Saturday's match. The 131-cap German international may be the one to lift the trophy—typically a captain's duty—while goalkeeper Manuel Neuer remains injured and Joshua Kimmich would otherwise step in.

Former coaches, including Julian Nagelsmann, Jupp Heynckes, and Hansi Flick, have all lauded Muller as a club legend.

"I’m not overly emotional right now, but it’s getting closer," said the 2014 World Cup champion and two-time UEFA Champions League winner with a knowing smile.

Despite this, Muller is aware that the tears are inevitable.