Liverpool are reportedly intensifying their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen's prized midfielder, Florian Wirtz, with a new record-breaking bid. The Reds have already secured the signature of Wirtz's Leverkusen teammate, Jeremie Frimpong, and are now focused on bolstering their squad further with the addition of the highly-rated German international.
Liverpool's pursuit of Wirtz has been ongoing for weeks, with the Premier League champions determined to secure his services amidst interest from other top European clubs like Manchester City and Bayern Munich. It is believed that Wirtz has expressed his desire to move to Anfield, having been impressed by the club's plans for him under the new manager, Arne Slot. Personal terms between the player and the club have reportedly been agreed upon, further fueling speculation that a deal is close to being finalized.
The latest bid from Liverpool is said to be in the region of £113 million, including £100 million upfront and a further £13 million in add-ons. While this offer falls short of Leverkusen's asking price of £126 million, negotiations are reportedly ongoing, and there is a growing sense that a compromise could be reached. Leverkusen have given Wirtz the "green light" to complete his move to Liverpool, according to Sacha Tovalieri
Should the transfer materialize for the reported fee, it would represent a club-record deal for Liverpool, surpassing the £85 million they paid for Darwin Nunez in 2022. It would also potentially break the British transfer record, currently held by Chelsea following their £106.8 million signing of Enzo Fernandez.
Wirtz has emerged as one of the Bundesliga's most impressive performers, showcasing his exceptional talent and creativity in the attacking midfield role. Last season, the 22-year-old scored 10 goals and registered 12 assists in 25 starts, playing a key role in Bayer Leverkusen's impressive season, which saw them finish as runners-up to Bayern Munich.
The potential arrival of Wirtz would provide a significant boost to Liverpool's attacking options, adding further quality and depth to their squad. His ability to create chances, score goals, and dictate play from midfield would make him a valuable asset for Arne Slot's side.
However, there are also reports of a potential dispute arising from Wirtz's transfer. It is claimed that his former club, FC Cologne, are seeking to claim a portion of the transfer fee, arguing that they are entitled to compensation for his development as a youth player.
As negotiations progress, Liverpool fans eagerly await further updates, hoping that their club can secure the signing of Florian Wirtz and further strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.
