When a generational talent like Florian Wirtz became available, Liverpool knew they had to act decisively — and they did just that.
The deal was a hefty one, with the Reds agreeing to pay £100 million upfront and up to £16 million in add-ons. But it paid off, as they beat elite clubs like Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid to secure one of Europe’s most sought-after players.
This high-profile signing sends a clear message from the reigning Premier League champions: they intend to defend their crown fiercely in the 2025/26 season.
**Liverpool Considered a Move for Kevin De Bruyne**
Interestingly, before finalizing the Wirtz transfer, Liverpool briefly explored the idea of signing Kevin De Bruyne.
A lifelong Liverpool supporter, De Bruyne never got the chance to play for the club he admired growing up. Still, his career has been nothing short of legendary — leading Manchester City to six Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy, and a haul of domestic and European silverware.
At 33, De Bruyne is no longer in his prime, but his experience and quality continue to attract attention from top clubs. According to The Athletic’s Sam Lee, there was a brief conversation between Liverpool and De Bruyne’s representatives.
**Wirtz Deal Shut That Door**
Ultimately, Liverpool chose to go all-in on Wirtz, completing a club-record signing. That move effectively closed the door on any serious pursuit of De Bruyne, as the German playmaker would take up the key creative role.
And with De Bruyne’s recent injury history and high wage demands, bringing him in for a limited role would’ve been a gamble. A backup spot might have been plausible — but not at that price.
Instead, the veteran Belgian is now eyeing a move abroad, where he can find regular playing time and a fresh challenge.
And honestly? You can’t blame him.