Liverpool Set to Finalize Record-Breaking Deal for Florian Wirtz
Liverpool is on the verge of securing a stunning transfer deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s talented midfielder, Florian Wirtz, as reported by Sky Sports Germany. This high-profile move could reach a remarkable £127 million (€150 million), positioning Wirtz as the third most expensive signing in football history and the highest in Premier League history.
Wirtz will join his Leverkusen teammate, Jeremie Frimpong, in making the switch to Anfield, as manager Arne Slot aims to finalize his squad early in the transfer window. Additionally, Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez is expected to join the Reds in the upcoming weeks, further bolstering Liverpool’s lineup.
Liverpool has successfully outmaneuvered Bayern Munich for Wirtz, with the German club acknowledging last month that the 22-year-old had opted for a move to Merseyside. Bayern president Herbert Hainer was quoted in Abendzeitung: "Max Eberl has informed me that Florian Wirtz is likely leaning towards Liverpool. I can’t predict how things will unfold with Leverkusen."
Wirtz had discussions with both Slot and Bayern boss Vincent Kompany. However, the clarity of Slot’s vision and project won Wirtz over, leading him to make his decision even before meeting with Kompany.
This deal will see Wirtz surpass Moises Caicedo, a former Liverpool target, as the Premier League’s most expensive transfer; Caicedo joined Chelsea for £115 million in August 2023. Wirtz’s transfer marks the highest fee ever paid for a player not joining Paris Saint-Germain.
During his time at Leverkusen, Wirtz showcased his exceptional talent with 57 goals and 65 assists in 197 appearances. He played a crucial role in Xabi Alonso’s successful campaign, helping the team secure the Bundesliga title without a single loss, along with victories in the DFB Pokal and the German Super Cup. They also reached the final of the Europa League, where they fell short against Atalanta.
In the ongoing 2023/24 season, Wirtz has maintained his impressive form, netting 16 goals and providing 15 assists in 45 outings. He has also earned seven caps for Germany, scoring in their recent Nations League semi-final loss to Portugal.
Primarily known for his playmaking abilities, Wirtz typically operates behind the striker but has also been deployed as a lone striker for the national team. This versatility could see him take on a role similar to that of Roberto Firmino at Liverpool, allowing him to drop deeper and utilize his playmaking skills while enabling wingers like Mohamed Salah to exploit defensive gaps.
World Cup-winning coach Joachim Löw has praised Wirtz’s natural talent, stating, "I have no doubts that Wirtz will succeed, regardless of where he goes. He plays with a naturalness that cannot be coached and possesses all the skills needed to be a world-class player."
As Liverpool aims to reclaim their Premier League title, their aggressive pursuit of top talent like Wirtz underscores their commitment and determination to emerge victorious once again. Stay tuned for more updates on this blockbuster transfer!
