Liverpool are reportedly on the brink of completing a blockbuster transfer for German midfielder Florian Wirtz, a move that would shake up the club’s wage structure and highlight their ambitions under new head coach Arne Slot.
The 22-year-old Bayer Leverkusen star is believed to be close to joining the Reds in a deal worth up to £126 million, which would make him Liverpool’s most expensive signing to date and one of the most talked-about transfers of the summer.
Sources close to the situation indicate that personal terms have already been agreed, with Wirtz opting for Liverpool over other major suitors like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
If the deal is finalized, Wirtz is expected to sign a five-year contract, earning £355,000 per week. This would make him the second-highest earner at the club, just behind Mohamed Salah, whose weekly salary — including bonuses — ranges between £350,000 and £400,000.
Wirtz’s wages would place him ahead of captain Virgil van Dijk (£300,000/week) and other key players such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson Becker, and Dominik Szoboszlai, whose salaries are reported to fall between £150,000 and £220,000 per week.
This high-profile pursuit of Wirtz signals Liverpool’s determination to build on last season’s success under Slot, who envisions the young German as a central figure in his tactical setup — likely playing just behind the striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Wirtz enjoyed a standout campaign with Leverkusen, tallying 18 goals and 12 assists across competitions. Renowned for his creativity, technical ability, and calmness on the ball, he has quickly become one of the most sought-after young midfielders in Europe.
Despite the large salary and transfer fee, Wirtz has often emphasized that his career is driven by passion rather than financial gain. In previous interviews, he has credited his parents for keeping him grounded.
“My parents always told me football is about love for the game and teamwork, not money,” he once told Kicker. “I try to let my performances speak for themselves.”
Liverpool’s initial offer reportedly consisted of £100 million upfront, plus £13 million in add-ons, but Leverkusen are holding firm on their £126 million valuation due to Wirtz’s status as a generational talent.
Talks are progressing positively, with Wirtz’s preference for Liverpool playing a key role in pushing negotiations forward. His arrival would strengthen the midfield and could lead to tactical adjustments, potentially impacting players like Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, and Szoboszlai, who may face more competition for starting roles.
Beyond the sporting aspect, signing Wirtz could prove a marketing masterstroke for Liverpool. With a growing international fanbase, especially in Germany, his addition could boost the club’s global reach.
For a club traditionally cautious with spending, this move marks a major shift — possibly prompted by the approaching end of Salah’s contract and the aging of several senior players.
Head coach Arne Slot is said to have personally spoken with Wirtz to outline how he would fit into Liverpool’s project, a move that may have been pivotal in securing the player’s interest.
Historically reluctant to disrupt their wage structure, Liverpool may be ready to make an exception for Wirtz. Should he fulfill his potential, the financial gamble could pay off handsomely — both on the field and off it.
If completed, Wirtz’s transfer could become a defining moment in Liverpool’s new chapter after Jurgen Klopp — a statement that the club isn’t just aiming to compete, but to lead
