Liverpool FC have intensified their efforts to secure the signature of Bayer Leverkusen’s star attacking midfielder, Florian Wirtz, with a club-record bid of £113 million. The offer, comprising £100 million upfront and £13 million in potential add-ons, underscores the Premier League champions’ determination to bring the 22-year-old German international to Anfield. However, negotiations remain ongoing as Leverkusen hold firm on their £126 million (€150 million) valuation for the highly coveted playmaker.
Wirtz’s Stellar Rise
Florian Wirtz has emerged as one of Europe’s brightest talents, earning widespread acclaim for his performances at Bayer Leverkusen. Since making his first-team debut in the 2019-20 season, the Pulheim-born midfielder has contributed an impressive 122 goal involvements (57 goals, 65 assists) in 197 matches. His standout 2023-24 season, where he scored 18 goals and provided 20 assists in 49 games, played a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s unbeaten domestic campaign and their run to the UEFA Europa League final.
Wirtz’s technical brilliance, vision, and ability to dictate play from the No. 10 role have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats. His performances have not only made him a key figure for Leverkusen but also a regular starter for the German national team, where he recently scored in a 2-1 Nations League semi-final loss to Portugal.
Liverpool’s Pursuit
Liverpool’s interest in Wirtz has been well-documented, with manager Arne Slot identifying the young star as a cornerstone for the club’s future ambitions. The Reds have already secured the services of Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong for £29.5 million this summer, and Wirtz could be the next high-profile addition. Reports indicate that Wirtz is enthusiastic about the move, having already visited the north west of England to explore housing options.
The latest £113 million bid follows two rejected offers, including one worth £109 million, as Liverpool edge closer to meeting Leverkusen’s demands. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that negotiations are progressing, with Wirtz expressing a clear preference for Liverpool over other suitors, including Bayern Munich and Manchester City. Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg also noted that a deal is “very close” following fresh talks and a revised offer.
Challenges and Complications
Despite the optimism surrounding the transfer, hurdles remain. Bayer Leverkusen’s £126 million asking price has yet to be met, and a potential legal dispute with FC Koln could complicate matters. Koln, where Wirtz developed as a youth player from age seven to sixteen, is seeking training compensation, potentially worth up to £6.3 million, due to a breached “gentleman’s agreement” between local clubs when Leverkusen signed Wirtz in 2020. Koln is prepared to escalate the matter to FIFA’s Clearing House to secure their share.
Additionally, pundits Micah Richards and Alan Shearer have raised concerns about Wirtz’s ability to adapt to the Premier League’s physical demands, despite acknowledging his exceptional technical skills. These doubts, however, have not deterred Liverpool, who see Wirtz as a transformative addition to their squad.
What’s Next?
With negotiations entering their final stages, Liverpool are pushing to finalize the deal in the coming days, potentially before the Club World Cup pauses the transfer window. Wirtz is reportedly set to sign a five-year contract worth up to £18.5 million annually, and a medical could be scheduled soon if an agreement is reached. Should the transfer be completed, Wirtz would surpass the £115 million Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo, becoming the most expensive signing in British football history.
The prospect of Wirtz donning the No. 27 shirt—previously worn by Divock Origi and vacant since Darwin Núñez switched to No. 9—has also sparked excitement among fans. Wirtz has dismissed rumors of wanting Alexis Mac Allister’s No. 10, making the No. 27 a likely choice given his history with it at Leverkusen.
Conclusion
Liverpool’s pursuit of Florian Wirtz represents a bold statement of intent from the Premier League champions. As negotiations near a resolution, the potential acquisition of the German star could redefine Liverpool’s attacking dynamics and cement their status as contenders on both domestic and European fronts. With Wirtz’s desire to join and Liverpool’s financial commitment, the Anfield faithful are eagerly awaiting what could be a historic transfer.