Liverpool Pursues Record Deal for Bundesliga Star
Reds Close to Securing €130 Million Transfer for Florian Wirtz
Liverpool is on the verge of shattering its transfer record, poised to acquire German playmaker Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for a fee potentially reaching £114 million. The move signals a significant investment in the club’s midfield ahead of the upcoming season.
Negotiations Intensify
The Merseyside club submitted a third formal offer last week, totaling £100 million with an additional £14 million contingent on performance-based add-ons. Discussions are now centered on finalizing the specifics of these add-ons and ensuring their attainability, as Leverkusen initially valued the 22-year-old at approximately £126 million.
Wirtz has reportedly communicated a strong preference for a move to Anfield, despite reported interest from fellow European giants Manchester City and Bayern Munich. He has established himself as a key figure in Leverkusen’s squad, contributing significantly to their recent success.
Rising Star’s Impressive Record
Since making his debut for Leverkusen at just 17 years old, Florian Wirtz has amassed an impressive tally of 57 goals in 197 appearances. He played a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga title win in 2024 and has earned 31 caps for the German national team, scoring seven goals.
The influx of German talent to Liverpool continues, following the recent arrival of full-back Jeremie Frimpong for a fee of £34 million. This strategic focus on the Bundesliga reflects a growing trend in player recruitment across the Premier League. According to a recent report by the CIES Football Observatory, the German Bundesliga is now the second-most raided league by Premier League clubs, with 22 players moving to England in the last three seasons. CIES Football Observatory
Leverkusen’s Valuation and Liverpool’s Ambition
Leverkusen’s initial valuation of Wirtz at around £126 million underscores his importance to the club. However, Liverpool’s persistent pursuit and willingness to structure a deal with substantial add-ons demonstrate their determination to secure his signature. If completed, the transfer would surpass the £75 million paid for Virgil van Dijk in 2018, marking a new club record.
The potential arrival of Florian Wirtz would significantly bolster Liverpool’s attacking options and provide manager Jürgen Klopp with a dynamic and creative force in midfield. The deal is expected to be finalized in the coming days, pending the agreement of final details.