Here’s the latest on Liverpool’s pursuit of Florian Wirtz:
🔴 What’s happening?
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Liverpool have stepped up negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen for the 22-year-old
- Despite the high valuation, Liverpool remain determined, reportedly ready to “pay the full £126 million” to finalize the move quickly and avoid drawn-out negotiations (thesun.co.uk).
👤 Player & Club stance
- Wirtz prefers a move to Liverpool over Bayern Munich and Manchester City. He’s already agreed personal terms and is mentally committed to the transfer (thetimes.co.uk).
- Leverkusen’s coach, Xabi Alonso, has drawn comparisons between Wirtz and Messi, underlining his creative vision and technical excellence (newsnowliverpool.com).
- Statistically, Wirtz delivers high performance—16 goals and 15 assists in 2024/25—placing him among Europe’s top creative midfielders (talksport.com).
⚙️ Why Liverpool?
- Tactical fit: New manager Arne Slot plans to deploy Wirtz as a central playmaker—a number 10—to complement Mo Salah, possibly allowing Salah to hone his role as a pure finisher (fourfourtwo.com).
- Strategic reinforcement: Liverpool are building a new core. With deals like Frimpong (£29.5 m) and interest in Kerkez, Wirtz would be the marquee signing to push their midfield into elite territory (talksport.com).
- Ambition signal: Such an outlay (total package ~£126 m) would set a new British transfer record—showing serious intent from the club (talksport.com).
✅ Next steps in the saga
- Liverpool needs to meet Leverkusen’s demand (£126 m).
- Once agreed, Wirtz is expected to undergo a medical.
- An official announcement could come soon—likely before pre-season.
🏁 Summary
- Status: Advanced talks, improved offer (~£113 m–£126 m) but not yet accepted.
- Barriers: Fee still below Leverkusen’s preference; deal hinges on Liverpool’s willingness to meet the full valuation.
- Player ambition: Strong desire to join under Slot’s project, already agreed personal terms.
This would be one of the biggest transfers in British football, and Wirtz seems determined to make his “dream move” to Anfield a reality.
