Liverpool have secured the signing of 22-year-old German star Florian Wirtz for a fee of €150 million (£128 million). The midfielder had already given the green light for the move and has now signed a five-year contract, becoming Liverpool’s third signing of the current transfer window.
Shock Over Lower Offer Accepted by Wirtz
A top German source has revealed widespread surprise at Wirtz accepting a lower financial package from Liverpool, despite receiving higher offers from other clubs. Reports also suggest Bayer Leverkusen are willing to compromise slightly on the transfer fee.
Although the transfer window has just opened, Liverpool are moving fast and have already agreed on personal terms with Wirtz.
Manchester City withdrew from the race due to the high costs and a belief that Wirtz was headed for Bayern Munich. Therefore, his decision to join Liverpool has caught many, including Bayern, off guard.
In response, Bayern have turned their attention to other targets, such as Cody Gakpo and Rafael Leao. Fortunately for Liverpool fans, the club has no plans to sell Gakpo or Luis Diaz this summer.
Bayern Left Reeling by Wirtz Snub
Christian Falk of BILD reports that Bayern are especially disappointed, as Wirtz turned down a significantly higher salary to join Liverpool. Bayern reportedly offered him around £390,000 per week before taxes, while Liverpool’s deal is closer to £340,000 per week.
“It was a big blow for Bayern’s executives to lose Wirtz,” Falk said.
“This is the first time a top German player has chosen not to join Bayern when they made a strong push. And it wasn’t even about the money—Wirtz will earn €20–22 million per year at Liverpool, while Bayern offered closer to €24 million. That makes the rejection even harder to take.”
Leverkusen Willing to Lower Fee
Leverkusen had initially set a €150 million (£126 million) price tag on Wirtz. While Liverpool had two bids rejected—the second being €130 million (£109 million)—reporter Ben Jacobs states that Leverkusen are open to compromise and may accept a slightly reduced fee of €142.5 million (£120 million).
Liverpool still need to close the gap, but all signs point to the deal being finalized soon.
