Transfer Finalization Imminent
Florian Wirtz is poised to become a Liverpool player next week, with the 22-year-old German midfielder scheduled for a medical, contract signing, and media duties after his post-season holiday. A verbal agreement between Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen, reported earlier this week, is worth up to €150m (£127.6m), including bonuses. While some club sources initially downplayed the deal as premature, Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Fabrizio Romano, and kicker now confirm it is “100 percent agreed” and will be completed soon, making it Liverpool’s record transfer, surpassing the £115m for Moises Caicedo.
Deal Structure
Kicker reports Liverpool’s package totals €150m, with “easily achievable bonuses” and performance-based add-ons, such as a payment if Wirtz wins the Champions League. The fixed fee is likely around €120m (£102m), with Leverkusen emphasizing the higher figure to showcase their negotiation, while Liverpool sources suggest a lower valuation for optics, per CBS Sports’ Rafa Honigstein. Wirtz, with 57 goals and 65 assists in 197 Leverkusen games, chose Liverpool over Bayern Munich and Manchester City, drawn to Arne Slot’s project.
Insights and Reactions
Honigstein noted, “Both sides want to look like they got a great deal, but Liverpool fans should be very excited.” Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl admitted to Sky Germany, “We couldn’t match what Liverpool are paying. Florian’s an exceptional player, and he’ll make his way at Liverpool.” Eberl confirmed Bayern’s interest but said Wirtz’s decision favored Anfield despite positive talks. Wirtz’s 18 goals and 20 assists in the 2023/24 Bundesliga, plus his Euro 2024 performances, underline his potential to transform Liverpool’s midfield alongside Dominik Szoboszlai.
What’s Next?
Wirtz’s medical is slated for next week, aligning with his return from holiday, with contract signing and media duties to follow. He could debut at the Club World Cup against Al-Hilal on June 18, 2025, joining Jeremie Frimpong (£29.5m) in Slot’s squad. Liverpool’s financial thrust, outpacing Bayern, contrasts with rivals’ moves, like Arsenal’s Viktor Gyökeres pursuit and Manchester United’s Tijjani Reijnders miss. On X, fans are thrilled, with @LFCTransferRoom hailing Wirtz as a “generational talent” set to elevate Liverpool’s title defense.
