Wirtz should have joined us — Bayern Munich chief 'feels sorry' for Liverpool star

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge believes that Florian Wirtz would have been "better off" joining Bayern Munich than moving to Liverpool.

The Bundesliga champions appeared to be in a strong position to sign the 22-year-old during the summer transfer window, but Liverpool ultimately secured a £116 million deal with Bayer Leverkusen.

While Wirtz established himself as one of the Bundesliga's top players with 21 goals and 25 assists in his last two seasons at Leverkusen, he has struggled to replicate that form at Liverpool, with no goals or assists in six appearances so far.

The former Bayern CEO expressed his sympathy for the player's situation.

"I have to honestly say, I still feel sorry for Florian Wirtz because I think the player would be better off at Bayern Munich than at Liverpool," Rummenigge told SportBild.

He also defended Bayern's decision not to get into a bidding war for the player, highlighting the club's sound financial approach.

"We could have signed Woltemade. But I also have to say, Bayern Munich are wise enough not to engage in every kind of financial madness.

"I’ve always said we want to achieve sporting success, but please, in a serious and financially sound way.

"We have a top team, this year as well. And when the three players who are currently injured come back soon, then we’ll have a great team.”