Florian Wirtz is set to become a Liverpool player in a deal worth £116million, sparking disappointment from German football leaders.
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Liverpool will pay £100million up front with £16million in potential add-ons, making it a record-breaking British transfer if triggered.
Manchester City and Bayern Munich were also interested, but City withdrew over financial concerns and signed other midfield targets instead.
Bayern lost out after Wirtz was convinced by Liverpool manager Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes to move to Anfield.
Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke publicly expressed frustration over Wirtz leaving the Bundesliga, preferring he joined Bayern instead.
“It’s a real shame for the DFL that Wirtz is leaving. I’d have preferred him at Bayern,” Watzke told kicker.
Watzke believes Wirtz could have built a strong partnership with Jamal Musiala had he stayed in Germany and joined Bayern, reports Mirror.
Bayern’s Joshua Kimmich echoed the sentiment, admitting the club now feels light in attack following recent high-profile departures.
Kimmich questioned Bayern’s direction after Leroy Sane left for Galatasaray and Thomas Muller confirmed his departure at season’s end.
With Wirtz off to Liverpool, Bayern face mounting pressure to reinforce their squad before the new season begins.
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