EPL
Liverpool Hold Firm on Florian Wirtz Deal as Talks Continue
Liverpool’s efforts to sign Florian Wirtz are ongoing, but no agreement has been reached yet. Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg reported that progress could be imminent, possibly with a medical scheduled soon. However, a few complications have slowed things down.
A public holiday in Germany (Pfingstmontag) on Monday may have delayed negotiations. More importantly, Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen have yet to settle on a transfer fee for the 22-year-old midfielder.
Liverpool are expected to return with a fourth offer, reportedly worth €140 million (£118 million) including add-ons, according to Bild. Leverkusen, however, are holding out for €150 million (£126.4 million).
Gregg Evans of The Athletic confirmed on Tuesday that talks are still ongoing. Liverpool, though, have made it clear they’re unwilling to match Leverkusen’s valuation. Their last offer of €134 million (£113.4 million) fell short, and there’s been no breakthrough.
According to Daily Mail journalist Lewis Steele, Leverkusen remain firm on their £118 million price tag. Still, there’s optimism that the deal could go through. Wirtz is reportedly eager to join Liverpool, which may pressure Leverkusen into compromising. Should the German side refuse to budge, they risk unsettling their star player. Accepting Liverpool’s best offer could allow them to reinvest smartly.
Unlike the smooth deal for Jeremie Frimpong, whose release clause Liverpool met easily, the Wirtz transfer is more complicated and requires patience. Despite the deadlock, many believe the move will eventually happen.
