The world of football transfers is always buzzing with speculation, but some deals stand out as truly transformative. According to an insider who witnessed his rise firsthand, Florian Wirtz‘s move to Bayer Leverkusen isn’t just a successful transfer—it’s one of the best signings in Bundesliga history. This exclusive insight comes from Devin Ozek, former executive CEO assistant at Leverkusen, who provides a deep dive into the strategy behind building a title-winning squad and the future of its brightest stars.
The Making of a Bundesliga Legend
Florian Wirtz‘s journey from Köln’s youth ranks to becoming the heartbeat of Bayer Leverkusen’s historic unbeaten Bundesliga title campaign is a testament to exceptional talent identification and development. At just 22 years old, Wirtz has established himself as one of Europe’s most sought-after creative midfielders, with his intelligence, spatial awareness, and chance-creating abilities drawing comparisons to some of the game’s great playmakers.
“Wirtz represents the pinnacle of strategic recruitment,” Ozek explained in an exclusive interview with Mcw. “His understanding of spaces between lines and ability to create opportunities makes him an advanced playmaker of exceptional quality. But credit must go to Simon Rolfes and Fernando Carro, who believed in him from the first moment—this signing belongs in the top category of Bundesliga history.”
Liverpool’s German Connection Strengthens
The transfer speculation surrounding Wirtz has intensified this summer, with multiple sources indicating the player is leaning toward a move to Liverpool. The Reds appear to be building a strong German connection, having already secured the signing of Leverkusen’s dynamic wing-back Jeremie Frimpong, who arrived in the UK this week to finalize his move to Anfield.
This strategic approach to recruiting Bundesliga talent demonstrates Liverpool’s commitment to acquiring players who excel in high-pressing systems and possess the technical quality to thrive in the Premier League. Frimpong’s blistering pace and attacking output from wide areas perfectly complement the tactical system favored by Liverpool’s management.
Leverkusen’s Development Blueprint
What makes Bayer Leverkusen so successful at developing world-class talent? According to Ozek, it’s a combination of structural excellence and coaching expertise.
“The development system at Leverkusen is built on multiple pillars,” Ozek detailed. “We had the right coach structure, excellent scouting that continues to identify the right players, and most importantly, a clear philosophy that allows talents to flourish. Xabi Alonso had a tremendous impact on individual development, but the foundation was already in place.”
The evidence supports Ozek’s assessment. Under Alonso’s guidance, several Leverkusen players made significant strides in their development, with Jonathan Tah emerging as one of Europe’s most complete defenders. “Tah represents the ideal modern defender,” Ozek noted. “He’s an intelligent stopper with excellent balance between ball-winning and ball-playing qualities. His leadership development has been remarkable—he leads in a quiet but clear way.”
Strategic Player Retention and Sales
Maintaining a competitive squad while operating within financial constraints requires careful balancing of player retention and strategic sales. Leverkusen’s ability to keep 80-90% of their title-winning squad together last summer was no accident.
“The CEOs did an amazing job maintaining close communication with players,” Ozek revealed. “Early communication was key—understanding player ambitions while clearly communicating club project plans created alignment that benefited both parties.”
When it comes to moving players on, Ozek emphasized the importance of timing and market understanding: “Selling is crucial due to financial rules across leagues. You must identify early which players are out of project and work actively to find the right solutions. The timing of a sale can be as important as the fee received.”
The Changing Transfer Landscape
With new competition formats like the expanded Club World Cup and adjustments to transfer windows, clubs face new challenges in squad planning. “The market dynamics are shifting,” Ozek observed. “Some clubs are moving early due to tournament commitments, while others are delayed by managerial changes. Finding the right balance between acting early and waiting for better options is becoming increasingly complex.”
The expert also highlighted the importance of contingency planning: “Professional clubs work with shadow teams—prepared for every position in case unexpected opportunities or challenges emerge. You must always be prepared for injuries or surprise offers for players you intended to keep.”
German Coaching Revolution
The success of German coaches like Xabi Alonso and the appointment of Fabian Hurzeler at Brighton points to a growing appreciation for the German coaching philosophy. “Young German coaches are definitely in demand,” Ozek acknowledged. “We have talented coaches who understand tactical complexity and player development. The challenge now is converting this recognition into consistent title success.”
Regarding Hurzeler’s Premier League appointment, Ozek expressed confidence: “He’s extremely talented and has done amazing work throughout his career. With his tactical understanding and work ethic, he has the potential to become one of the world’s top coaches.”
Fabian Hurzeler represents the new generation of German coaches making an impact abroad
The Future of Football Leadership
As for his own future, Ozek is seeking a director role where he can contribute to project development. “I’m looking for the right project, not necessarily the biggest club name. The Premier League’s style appeals to me—sporting directors work more behind the scenes compared to Germany where they’re more visible on benches and in interviews.”
The differences between leagues extend beyond visibility: “Premier League directors travel more for player recruitment, while Bundesliga sporting directors maintain closer day-to-day relationships with the first team. Both approaches have merits, but the English model aligns well with my preference for focused strategic work.”
Mcw will continue to monitor Florian Wirtz‘s situation closely as Liverpool appears to be leading the race for his signature. The potential addition of Wirtz to an already impressive Liverpool squad could significantly shift the Premier League power balance next season.
The story of Florian Wirtz exemplifies how strategic recruitment and exceptional development can create world-class talent. As Liverpool strengthens its German connections with the signing of Jeremie Frimpong and potential move for Wirtz, the Premier League continues to benefit from the Bundesliga’s production line of exceptional players. The insights from Mcw source Devin Ozek provide valuable perspective on the complex machinery behind successful football operations and why certain signings transform not just clubs but entire leagues.
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