Liverpool Football Club has officially announced the signing of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, in a deal that shatters both the club's and the Premier League's transfer records. The 22-year-old German international has completed his move to Anfield for a staggering £116 million, marking a significant statement of intent from the Merseyside club. The transfer fee is structured as an initial £100 million, with a further £16 million in potential add-ons, surpassing the previous British record of £115 million paid by Chelsea for Moises Caicedo in 2023.
Wirtz, who has penned a long-term contract reportedly worth £200,000 a week until 2030, expressed his excitement about joining the Premier League champions. "I feel very happy and very proud. Finally it's done, and I was waiting for a long time," he told the club's official website. He further added, "I'm really excited to have a new adventure in front of me...to go out of the Bundesliga and to join the Premier League." Wirtz also mentioned speaking with other players who have played in the Premier League, who assured him that the league would be a perfect fit for his style of play.
The attacking midfielder arrives at Anfield with a stellar reputation, having established himself as one of the Bundesliga's most exciting talents during his five-and-a-half seasons with Bayer Leverkusen. Wirtz made his Bundesliga debut in May 2020 at just 17 years old and quickly became a key figure in the team. He played a pivotal role in Leverkusen's historic 2023-24 season, where they completed a league and cup double while remaining unbeaten in the Bundesliga, also reaching the Europa League final. Although Leverkusen couldn't replicate that success last season, Wirtz continued to shine, particularly in the Champions League, where he scored six goals in nine appearances.
Wirtz's versatility is a significant asset for Liverpool. While naturally a central attacking midfielder, he is also comfortable playing on either wing or as a forward. This adaptability will provide manager Arne Slot with tactical flexibility as he aims to retain the Premier League title and mount a strong challenge in the Champions League in the upcoming 2025/26 season.
The acquisition of Wirtz follows the arrival of his former Leverkusen teammate, Jeremie Frimpong, earlier this summer, signaling a busy transfer window for Liverpool. The club is also reportedly close to securing a deal for Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez.
Wirtz has already set ambitious targets for his time at Liverpool, stating, "I would like to win everything every year! First of all, we have to do our work, I have to make my work. In the end, we want to be successful." He also acknowledged the club's recent Premier League title win and expressed his desire to repeat that success while also making a significant impact in the Champions League.
The signing of Florian Wirtz marks a new chapter in Liverpool's history, as they welcome one of Europe's most promising young talents to Anfield. Liverpool fans can expect Wirtz to join his new teammates in July for pre-season training. His squad number will be revealed later in the summer, coinciding with the launch of the new Adidas kits.
