Liverpool have agreed a sensational £116 million deal to sign 22-year-old attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz from Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen. The fee includes a guaranteed £100 million, with an additional £16 million in performance-based add-ons. If the full amount is triggered, it would eclipse the current British transfer record set by Chelsea’s £107 million purchase of Enzo Fernandez in 2023.
The agreed amount makes Wirtz the most expensive player in Liverpool’s history, surpassing the £85 million they potentially paid for Darwin Núñez and the £75 million shelled out for Virgil van Dijk. While Manchester City and Bayern Munich had previously shown interest in Wirtz, both clubs were unwilling to meet the financial demands. Liverpool’s successful negotiation—reportedly below Leverkusen’s £126 million valuation—was influenced heavily by the player’s desire to join the Merseyside giants.
Wirtz: From Bundesliga Starlet to Anfield’s New Engine
Wirtz has built an impressive résumé for a player still only 22. Making his debut at just 17, he has racked up 57 goals in 197 appearances for Leverkusen, playing a central role in their historic Bundesliga title win in 2024—the first in the club’s history. He also boasts 31 international caps and 7 goals for Germany since debuting in 2021.
Known for his playmaking intelligence, Wirtz’s ability to drift inside from the left or operate centrally gives Arne Slot tactical flexibility in midfield. Analysts highlight his eye for the final pass, creative instincts, and relentless off-the-ball work as attributes that will bring immediate value to Liverpool. However, the Premier League’s physical demands could be a new challenge, though his reputation for hard work suggests he’ll adapt quickly.
Slot’s Ambitious Rebuild Continues with Frimpong, Eyes on Kerkez
Wirtz becomes Liverpool’s second major signing from Bayer Leverkusen this summer, following the £34 million arrival of right-back Jeremie Frimpong. Manager Arne Slot, fresh off winning the Premier League in his first season, is overseeing a calculated but aggressive rebuild.
Next on the club’s radar is Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, with negotiations ongoing around a deal valued between £45 million and £50 million. Liverpool’s ambitious recruitment has been supported by frugal spending in recent windows, including last summer’s modest additions of winger Federico Chiesa (£12.5m) and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili (£29m).
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Liverpool Smash Transfer Record with £116m Florian Wirtz Signing from Leverkusen
Liverpool’s transfer activity isn’t limited to incomings. The club has seen several key departures, including long-serving right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who joined Real Madrid. The Spanish club reportedly paid €10 million (£8.4m) to bring the defender in ahead of the Club World Cup, though Madrid sources suggest the fee may be lower.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has completed a £12.5 million move to Brentford, potentially rising to £18 million. The Reds are also open to selling other players, with Darwin Núñez attracting interest from Saudi Arabian and European clubs. Centre-backs Joe Gomez and Jarrell Quansah may also be allowed to leave in an effort to balance the books and reduce squad size.
‘A Master of the Final Pass’ – What Wirtz Offers Liverpool
Florian Wirtz’s arrival is not just about numbers—it’s about footballing identity. Analysts suggest he is a player made for Liverpool’s evolving system under Arne Slot. “He finds pockets, breaks lines, and can score. That’s what Liverpool have been lacking consistently,” one pundit said.
Crucially, Wirtz brings versatility. Whether deployed as a central attacking midfielder, a false nine, or drifting in from wide areas, his dynamism and spatial awareness will be key in unlocking deep-lying defences. His arrival is a statement of ambition from Liverpool—not just to retain domestic dominance, but to chase European glory once again.
As pre-season approaches, the buzz around Anfield is growing. With Wirtz onboard and more signings likely to follow, Liverpool look primed for another blockbuster campaign.
