After Bayern Munich parted ways with club legend Thomas Müller (36), they are expected to actively pursue the signing of Germany national team star Florian Wirtz (21, Bayer Leverkusen).

According to Germany's Sky Sports, on the 31st of last month, it was reported that "Müller's era, which has spanned 17 years at Bayern, is gradually coming to an end"; on the 1st, it was reported again that "the possibility of Bayern parting ways with Müller after this season is high."

According to reports, Bayern's leadership is approaching the final negotiations with Müller’s camp, and the club has decided not to propose a re-signing. Müller's annual salary is up to €17 million (approximately 27.1 billion won), making him one of the highest earners on the team, but he has played only 1,260 minutes this season. He has hardly received any chances in major Champions League matches.

The legendary Müller began his soccer career at TSV Pähl's youth team, joined Bayern’s youth academy in 2000, and has since set impressive records with 742 appearances, 247 goals, and 273 assists. He has lifted 32 trophies, firmly establishing himself as the "club’s icon," but Bayern, which is pursuing generational change and restructuring its salary structure, has finally made a decision.

Honorary chairman Uli Hoeneß also hinted at a possible separation in February during the premiere of a Müller documentary aired on Amazon Prime Video, stating, "If he is now a substitute, I would recommend retirement."

Amid these changes, Bayern has identified German attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz as a core resource for the next generation and has begun preparations for his signing. Born in 2003, Wirtz is a technician with excellent soccer sense and balance, capable of playing across various attacking positions thanks to his agile direction changes and quick feet.

He has proven his versatility by effectively playing roles as an attacking midfielder, left winger, and second striker at Bayer Leverkusen. Known for creating "decisive plays" that change the flow of the game with concise yet creative actions, he is being highlighted as the successor to Müller.

Wirtz faced a significant career setback due to a serious knee injury (meniscus and cruciate ligament tears) during the 2021-2022 season but returned close to full fitness after an excellent rehabilitation and has regained top form. Last season, he was a key resource in leading the team to an unbeaten championship and is now at the center of Bayer Leverkusen's attack this season.

If a contract extension with Bayer Leverkusen is not reached, Bayern is prepared to negotiate and is willing to pay a transfer fee of at least €120 million (approximately 191.2 billion won).

According to Sky Sports, Chairman Hoeneß is directly involved in the negotiations, and the club is undergoing a major financial restructuring, which includes Müller’s high salary exit.

Meanwhile, Müller still wishes to continue his playing career, and interest from Major League Soccer (MLS) and Saudi Arabian clubs remains strong. The club is expected to give him an opportunity to announce the separation directly after the season ends, and a farewell match is reportedly already guaranteed in his contract.

Additionally, as an important figure from a marketing standpoint, it is highly likely that he will wear the Bayern uniform for the last time in the Club World Cup, which will take place in mid-June.

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