Where Florian Wirtz would rank on Liverpool’s wage bill

Liverpool Football Club are reportedly on the verge of finalising a historic transfer for German sensation Florian Wirtz — a move that could significantly shake up the club’s wage structure and send a strong message of intent ahead of the new Premier League season.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder, currently starring for Bayer Leverkusen, is understood to be nearing a switch to Anfield in a deal worth up to £126 million. This would make Wirtz not only Liverpool’s most expensive signing ever but one of the most high-profile transfers in European football this summer.

Multiple sources close to the negotiations have described the deal as “almost done”, with personal terms already agreed. Wirtz has reportedly selected Liverpool as his destination of choice despite interest from several other top European clubs including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

Should the deal go through, Wirtz is expected to sign a five-year contract with the Reds, earning a weekly wage of £355,000. This figure would place him second on the club’s wage hierarchy, only trailing Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah, who reportedly earns around £350,000 to £400,000 per week including bonuses.

Such a salary would also see Wirtz leapfrog club captain Virgil van Dijk, who is believed to earn approximately £300,000-per-week, and well ahead of the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson Becker, and Dominik Szoboszlai, all of whom reportedly earn between £150,000 and £220,000-per-week.

Liverpool’s pursuit of Wirtz reflects a clear ambition under new head coach Arne Slot, who is eager to build on last season’s title-winning momentum. The Dutch tactician sees Wirtz as a cornerstone of his attacking philosophy, with plans to deploy him centrally behind the striker, giving him creative license to link play and unlock defences.

Wirtz has had a stellar season with Leverkusen, registering 18 goals and 12 assists across all competitions. His intelligent movement, technical finesse, and composure under pressure have made him one of the most coveted young midfielders in world football.

Despite the astronomical transfer fee and salary on the table, Wirtz has insisted in past interviews that money is not his priority. He often credits his parents for instilling in him a strong sense of humility and focus — traits that have clearly served him well in his rapid rise to the top.

“My parents have always reminded me that football is about passion and teamwork, not just money or fame,” Wirtz once said in an interview with Kicker. “I try to stay grounded and let my football do the talking.”

Liverpool’s initial bid reportedly included a £100 million base fee with an additional £13 million in performance-related add-ons, bringing the total to £113 million. However, Bayer Leverkusen are said to be holding firm at their valuation of £126 million, citing Wirtz’s status as a generational talent.

Negotiations are ongoing, but optimism is growing within the Liverpool camp that an agreement will soon be reached. It’s understood that Wirtz’s willingness to join the Merseyside giants has played a key role in accelerating talks.

Should he arrive, Wirtz’s inclusion in the squad would not only bolster Liverpool’s midfield options but could also pave the way for a tactical reshuffle. The 4-2-3-1 formation Slot frequently utilised at Feyenoord may become a mainstay at Anfield, with Wirtz occupying the central role behind the lone striker.

His addition also raises questions about the futures of existing playmakers like Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones, and Szoboszlai, who may now face increased competition for minutes in attacking midfield areas.

Beyond the pitch, Wirtz’s signing would serve as a major commercial coup for Liverpool. The German international has a growing global following, and his arrival could boost the club’s marketability, particularly in the Bundesliga and broader German-speaking territories.

For a club known for financial prudence under owners Fenway Sports Group, agreeing to such a massive outlay marks a notable shift in transfer strategy. But with Salah potentially entering his final year, and with several senior players aging, the time may be ripe for bold investment.

Slot has reportedly spoken directly with Wirtz during the negotiation process, presenting a clear roadmap for how the young star would fit into Liverpool’s system. That personal touch may have made all the difference, especially for a player whose career choices have always been guided by vision and values.

In the past, Liverpool have hesitated to break their wage structure to land marquee players, but this case may be the exception that proves the rule. If Wirtz lives up to expectations, the investment could quickly be justified — both in sporting and commercial terms.

As it stands, Liverpool fans may soon witness one of the most exciting young playmakers in world football donning the famous red shirt — and earning a paycheck to match the club’s ambitions.

If finalized, Wirtz’s arrival could represent a defining moment in the post-Klopp era — one that signals Liverpool’s intention to not just remain at the top, but to dominate.