Liverpool make third bid for Florian Wirtz following encouraging update from Fabrizio Romano

Liverpool’s pursuit of German sensation Florian Wirtz has intensified, with the club reportedly lodging a third formal bid to secure the signature of the 22-year-old Bayer Leverkusen playmaker. The Reds, under the leadership of new sporting director Richard Hughes, appear determined to bolster their midfield ranks with one of Europe’s most sought-after talents.

Just over a week ago, The Athletic reported that Liverpool had submitted a second bid in the region of £109 million. That offer, which included both fixed fees and performance-related bonuses, was swiftly rejected by Bayer Leverkusen, who are adamant about their valuation of the player.

Leverkusen, the Bundesliga runners-up who made headlines with their unbeaten league campaign under Xabi Alonso, are reportedly holding firm at a price tag closer to €150 million—approximately £126.5 million. While Liverpool have not yet matched that figure, they have returned with an improved offer, signaling their growing optimism in concluding the deal.

According to The Daily Mail, Liverpool’s latest bid is worth a total of £113 million. The package includes a guaranteed £100 million in cash and an additional £13 million tied to potential add-ons. While still short of Leverkusen’s valuation, it shows the Anfield club’s willingness to stretch their financial muscle in the market.

The Merseyside giants are said to have been encouraged by private conversations and public remarks from Fabrizio Romano, who provided a crucial update via his YouTube channel on Friday. The respected transfer guru confirmed that the deal is “very close,” with only minor contractual details standing in the way of a breakthrough.

One of the more significant developments in recent days has been the player’s reported desire to make the move to Anfield. Sources close to the negotiation have hinted that Wirtz is eager to play Premier League football and is especially keen on working under Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot.

Slot, who officially took over from Jürgen Klopp this summer, is believed to see Wirtz as a key part of his tactical blueprint. The German international’s versatility, creativity, and footballing IQ would be an ideal fit in Slot’s fluid attacking system, offering both goals and assists from midfield.

However, the slight increase in Liverpool’s third offer—only £4 million more than their second—may not be enough to tip the scales in their favor. There is growing speculation that a fourth and final offer could be necessary if the two clubs are to reach a definitive agreement in the coming days.

Nonetheless, despite the gap in valuations, both parties remain locked in talks. Negotiations are described as “constructive,” with neither side showing signs of walking away. Liverpool remain hopeful that their latest offer will be enough to sway Leverkusen’s stance or at least bring them to the table for compromise.

Bild, a prominent German outlet, reported earlier this week that Wirtz could even complete his medical as early as next week if an agreement is struck swiftly. With the Euros just around the corner, Wirtz is eager to have his future sorted before heading off to join up with the German national team.

Liverpool’s recruitment department, headed by Richard Hughes and supported by Michael Edwards, is believed to be working overtime to finalize personal terms and legal documentation should the bid be accepted. The player’s camp has already given the green light on broad terms.

This move, if completed, would shatter Liverpool’s current transfer record and send a powerful message to rivals at home and abroad. It also marks the club’s intent to maintain their Premier League dominance even after the departure of the Klopp era.

Florian Wirtz, who scored 18 goals and provided 19 assists across all competitions last season, has developed into one of Europe’s most influential young players. His performances in both domestic and continental competitions earned him plaudits and suitors from clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester City.

However, it is Liverpool who have shown the most persistence and strategic planning in their bid to sign him. Club officials believe that Wirtz’s arrival could signal a new dawn for the Reds as they aim to rebuild a title-contending squad capable of challenging across multiple fronts.

As of now, no official word has been released by either club, but multiple insiders believe the coming days will be decisive. Whether Leverkusen accept Liverpool’s current offer or hold out for something closer to their original valuation remains to be seen.

Liverpool fans, meanwhile, are watching the developments closely. With Romano’s reassurance that the deal is close and that negotiations are not under threat, the Anfield faithful can afford to remain hopeful.

Should the transfer go through, it will undoubtedly be one of the biggest signings of the summer and a defining moment in Arne Slot’s early reign at the club. For now, the wait continues, but the signs are more positive than ever before.