Liverpool are making bold moves in the transfer market, as they attempt to pull off what could be one of the biggest transfer hijacks of the year.
The Reds have maintained interest in Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz for months, alongside Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester City (via Caught Offside). While recent reports from SPORT BILD claimed that Wirtz told his manager Xabi Alonso—soon to become Real Madrid’s head coach—that he only wants to join Bayern Munich, Liverpool have not given up.
According to Bundesliga insider Christian Falk (via CF Bayern Insider), Liverpool held a scheduled meeting with Wirtz earlier this week. The 22-year-old German international and his family also met with Manchester City officials, as both clubs continue to express serious interest.
The meeting with Liverpool was pre-arranged, not a last-minute decision. Despite Wirtz reportedly favoring Bayern, the Reds may still make a push—though it could take a record-breaking offer, with Leverkusen expected to demand up to €150m (£126.3m). Meanwhile, Bayern are confident in securing Wirtz’s signature and are preparing a €100m (£84.2m) bid.
Even with two matches left this season, Liverpool’s new sporting director Richard Hughes appears to be acting swiftly to bolster Arne Slot’s squad ahead of their 2025 title campaign. The club is also reportedly close to landing Wirtz’s teammate, Jeremie Frimpong, suggesting a potential double swoop from Leverkusen.
Although Wirtz may have verbally committed to Bayern, Liverpool’s aggressive early moves in the window show serious intent. With Wirtz having delivered double-digit goals and assists in back-to-back Bundesliga seasons and drawing praise as a “genius” from Alonso, he could offer Liverpool the creative spark they’ve lacked since Philippe Coutinho’s departure.
Whether the meeting leads to anything concrete remains to be seen, but Liverpool’s ambition and early action will be welcomed by fans as the summer transfer window approaches
