Having to make tough CALLS

DIFFICULT CONVERSATION FOR FLORIAN'S FATHER

- By IAN DOYLE

THE father of Florian Wirtz has detailed how Arne Slot persuaded the Germany international to ignore the lure of Bay-ern Munich and instead make a record-breaking move to Liverpool.

Wirtz became the most expensive player in the club's history last month when the Reds agreed a deal worth a potential £116million with Bayer Leverkusen.

Wirtz was unavailable to make his debut in last Sunday’s friendly win at Preston North End with his Reds bow now expected to take place in Hong Kong next week against AC Milan.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder had been a long-term target of both Liverpool and Bayern, with Manchester City and Real Madrid having also briefly considered a concerted move.

But Wirtz’s father Hans-Joachim - who also acts as his son’s representative along with wife Karin - has explained the impact of a meeting in May with Slot that ultimately determined the player’s next destination.

Asked if the discussion with the Reds boss was decisive, Wirtz's father said: "You could say that.