Liverpool Football Club has reportedly reached an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen for the transfer of German international star Florian Wirtz, in a deal that could reach a record-breaking £116 million. The agreement, finalized after weeks of negotiations, will see Wirtz become the most expensive player in Liverpool's history, eclipsing the £85 million spent on Darwin Nunez in 2022.
The deal is structured with an initial payment of £100 million, with the remaining £16 million to be paid in add-ons based on performance and appearances. The transfer marks a significant statement of intent from Liverpool, demonstrating their ambition to compete for major honors under the guidance of their new head coach, Arne Slot.
Wirtz, a 22-year-old attacking midfielder, has emerged as one of Europe's most exciting talents. His performances for Bayer Leverkusen have been consistently impressive, contributing significantly to their Bundesliga success. Known for his exceptional technique, creativity, and eye for goal, Wirtz is seen as a player with the potential to become a global superstar. In the past season, he recorded 16 goals and 15 assists in 45 appearances.
The pursuit of Wirtz was not without competition. Bayern Munich and Manchester City were also reportedly interested, but Wirtz ultimately chose Liverpool as his preferred destination. Factors such as Liverpool's rich history, passionate fanbase, and the opportunity to play in the Premier League are believed to have influenced his decision.
Liverpool's sporting director, Richard Hughes, played a key role in securing the agreement. Negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen were intense, with an initial bid of £109 million being rejected before the clubs settled on the final fee. Leverkusen were initially holding out for £125m for the star, but Liverpool succeeded in bringing the price down.
The acquisition of Wirtz is not expected to be Liverpool's only major signing of the summer. Manager Arne Slot is keen to strengthen other areas of the squad, with Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez reportedly a target. Liverpool have only added one senior player in the past two years, Federico Chiesa from Juventus for £12m, therefore they are looking to bolster their squad.
Wirtz is currently on holiday and will undergo a medical upon his return. The transfer is expected to be officially completed when the transfer window reopens next week. Following the medical, Wirtz will link up with his new teammates for pre-season training, with the anticipation high among Liverpool fans to witness his talents firsthand.
The signing of Florian Wirtz represents a new era at Anfield, and it is expected that the deal is a shift in how Liverpool operate in the transfer market. With his creativity and talent, Wirtz could prove to be the catalyst for Liverpool's future success.