Liverpool have pulled off one of the transfer window’s biggest coups by agreeing a deal worth up to £116m for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, smashing their previous transfer record in spectacular fashion.
The 21-year-old German attacking midfielder will cost an initial £100m, with additional payments potentially taking the deal to £116m – making it the most expensive transfer by an English club if all conditions are met, surpassing Chelsea’s £115m outlay for Moises Caicedo.
Wirtz had made his intentions crystal clear from the start, with Liverpool being his preferred destination despite interest from European giants Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Manchester City. The German international even turned down more lucrative offers to secure his dream move to Anfield.
The deal represents a significant statement of intent from Liverpool, who have shown they’re willing to break the bank for players they consider game-changers. Previous examples include Virgil van Dijk’s £75m arrival and Alisson’s £65m transfer – both signings that proved transformational for the club.
Negotiations between the two clubs had been ongoing for weeks, with Leverkusen initially holding out for €150m (£126m). Liverpool had already made two unsuccessful bids, including a £109m offer last week, before finally reaching an agreement that satisfied both parties.
The move has been made possible by Liverpool’s careful financial planning last summer, when they made minimal signings – bringing in only Federico Chiesa and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili whilst actually making a profit in the transfer market.
Wirtz arrives at Anfield with an impressive track record, having scored 34 goals across his last two seasons with Leverkusen. The attacking midfielder was named Bundesliga Player of the Year for 2023-24, helping his club achieve their historic first league title alongside the German Cup, whilst also reaching the Europa League final.
The German star is expected to undergo a medical next week and finalise personal terms with the Premier League champions. His arrival marks Liverpool’s second signing from Leverkusen this summer, following the earlier £30m acquisition of right-back Jeremie Frimpong.
Liverpool’s spending spree may not be finished yet, with the club reportedly interested in Bournemouth’s Hungarian left-back Milos Kerkez, valued at £45m by his current club.
The significant investment in Wirtz could have knock-on effects within Liverpool’s squad, with Harvey Elliott potentially facing an uncertain future as the club operates under a self-sustaining model where player sales help fund major acquisitions.
Wirtz’s arrival signals Liverpool’s ambition to remain at the summit of English and European football, with the German’s creativity and goal threat expected to add a new dimension to their attacking play.
