Liverpool finalising deal for Leverkusen’s Wirtz

Liverpool are on the verge of completing one of the most significant transfers in the club’s history, as negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen for the signing of Florian Wirtz have reached an advanced stage. The German international, widely regarded as one of Europe’s brightest young talents, looks set to become a key figure in Arne Slot’s project at Anfield.

According to sources close to the deal, the Reds submitted a third formal bid for the 22-year-old playmaker last week. The offer is understood to be worth £100 million in guaranteed payments, with an additional £14 million in performance-based add-ons. The two clubs are now in deep discussions to finalise the payment structure and the conditions surrounding the bonuses.

If the deal is concluded on the terms proposed, it would shatter Liverpool’s previous transfer record — the £75 million spent to acquire Virgil van Dijk from Southampton in 2018. The move would also place Wirtz among the top 10 most expensive players of all time, entering the elite £100m+ transfer club.

Wirtz has reportedly made his preference clear, choosing Liverpool over rival interest from Manchester City and Bayern Munich. The Germany international is said to be excited by the opportunity to play in the Premier League and work under new Liverpool boss Arne Slot, who has been personally involved in pushing for the signing.

Since making his senior debut for Leverkusen at the tender age of 17, Wirtz has established himself as a generational midfielder. With 57 goals and 197 appearances for the German champions, he was instrumental in their historic Bundesliga title win in 2024, ending Bayern Munich’s long-standing domestic dominance.

A dynamic, technically gifted attacker with excellent vision, Wirtz operates primarily as an attacking midfielder but is equally comfortable playing deeper or out wide. His ability to link midfield and attack, combined with an instinctive eye for goal, makes him a perfect fit for Liverpool’s evolving style of play.

At the international level, Wirtz has already made 31 appearances for Germany, scoring seven times. He made his senior debut in 2021 and is expected to play a crucial role for the national team in upcoming international tournaments, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The proposed deal has drawn comparisons with other blockbuster midfield transfers in recent years. Chelsea’s £107 million signing of Enzo Fernández from Benfica in 2023 and the £100 million move for Moisés Caicedo from Brighton illustrate how top clubs are now paying premium fees for midfield generals who can dictate the tempo and turn games on their own.

Should the deal for Wirtz go through, it would mark the second major arrival from Bayer Leverkusen to Anfield this summer. Liverpool have already secured the services of right-back Jeremie Frimpong in a £34 million move. The duo were central figures in Xabi Alonso’s title-winning Leverkusen side and could play vital roles in reshaping Liverpool’s tactical approach.

Leverkusen had reportedly valued Wirtz at £126 million but appear willing to compromise due to the player’s preference and the structure of Liverpool’s proposal. Sources suggest the add-ons being discussed are tied to Champions League qualification, domestic trophies, and individual performance milestones.

Liverpool’s proactive business this summer is a sign of the club’s intent to quickly transition into a new era following the departure of Jürgen Klopp. The new leadership under Arne Slot has identified Wirtz as a cornerstone signing who could usher in a fresh phase of attacking football and midfield creativity.

The deal would also bolster Liverpool’s long-term planning, as Wirtz is still just 22 years old and entering what many believe will be the prime of his career. His footballing intelligence, versatility, and elite-level experience make him one of the safest bets in the current transfer market.

Supporters are understandably excited at the prospect of such a marquee signing, especially as Liverpool look to return to the summit of English football and compete more aggressively in Europe. The arrival of Wirtz could be a statement of intent — not just for the Premier League, but for the entire European football landscape.

If all terms are agreed upon, Wirtz would undergo a medical at Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre in Kirkby before being officially unveiled. The player is currently on international duty with Germany but is expected to fly to Merseyside immediately after his commitments are concluded.

There’s no doubt that signing Wirtz would also elevate Liverpool’s commercial appeal. Known for his charisma and professionalism, Wirtz is already a marketable figure in Germany and could expand the club’s global fanbase, particularly in the Bundesliga market.

With the transfer window heating up, Liverpool’s early moves signal a clear desire to get their business done swiftly and strategically. Adding Wirtz to a midfield that already includes Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Curtis Jones could elevate Liverpool’s playmaking depth to new heights.

The coming days are expected to be crucial as final details are ironed out. If successful, Liverpool’s acquisition of Florian Wirtz will not only be remembered for its price tag but also for the significant footballing statement it makes.