Liverpool is close to securing one of the most high-profile transfers in its history, as talks with Bayer Leverkusen over Florian Wirtz reach an advanced stage. The highly-rated 22-year-old German international is expected to become a cornerstone of Arne Slot’s new project at Anfield.
Sources indicate that Liverpool recently submitted a third formal offer for Wirtz, reportedly valued at £100 million upfront, with an extra £14 million in potential bonuses based on performance. The clubs are now negotiating the exact structure of the payments and bonus terms.
If finalized, the deal would break Liverpool’s current transfer record — the £75 million paid for Virgil van Dijk in 2018 — and make Wirtz one of the ten most expensive footballers in history.
Wirtz has allegedly chosen Liverpool over other suitors, including Manchester City and Bayern Munich, drawn by the chance to play in the Premier League and under new manager Arne Slot, who is said to be personally advocating for the transfer.
Since debuting for Leverkusen at 17, Wirtz has developed into a standout midfielder. He has scored 57 goals in 197 matches and played a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s historic 2024 Bundesliga title win, which ended Bayern Munich’s long domestic reign.
A creative and technically skilled player, Wirtz primarily operates as an attacking midfielder but can also play deeper or out wide. His ability to link play and score goals makes him a natural fit for Liverpool’s evolving tactical system.
On the international stage, Wirtz has already earned 31 caps for Germany, scoring seven goals since his senior debut in 2021. He is expected to be a key player for the national team in upcoming major tournaments, including the 2026 World Cup.
This deal follows other major midfield transfers, like Enzo Fernández’s £107 million move to Chelsea and Moisés Caicedo’s £100 million switch from Brighton — underscoring the high demand for elite midfield talent.
Wirtz would be Liverpool’s second summer signing from Leverkusen, following the recent acquisition of right-back Jeremie Frimpong for £34 million. Both players were instrumental in Xabi Alonso’s title-winning side and are expected to play central roles in Slot’s setup.
Though Leverkusen originally valued Wirtz at £126 million, they seem willing to agree on Liverpool’s proposal due to the player’s preference and the structure of the offer. Add-ons may include conditions tied to Champions League qualification and other team and individual achievements.
The aggressive approach in the transfer market reflects Liverpool’s intent to kickstart a new era following Jürgen Klopp’s departure. Wirtz, at just 22, is seen as a long-term investment with the potential to lead a creative midfield.
Fans are excited at the prospect of Wirtz joining, viewing it as a major signal of ambition from the club. His arrival could have an impact beyond the pitch, boosting Liverpool’s global profile, especially in the German market.
Wirtz is currently on international duty but is expected to travel to Merseyside for a medical at the AXA Training Centre once his commitments are over. If all goes as planned, the transfer could become one of the defining moments of this summer window — both financially and competitively — for Liverpool and European football
