Liverpool Secure Record-Breaking €150m Deal for Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen
In a landmark move for both Liverpool Football Club and the Premier League, the Reds have reportedly secured a verbal agreement with Bayer Leverkusen to sign German attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz for a staggering €150 million (£126.9m), including add-ons. The deal, described as a British record transfer, marks a significant statement of intent from Liverpool as they aim to build on their 2024/25 Premier League title success under manager Arne Slot.
Transfer Breakthrough After Weeks of Negotiations
The transfer saga, which has dominated headlines in recent weeks, culminated in what transfer expert Fabrizio Romano called a “HERE WE GO” moment on X, confirming that Liverpool and Leverkusen have verbally agreed on a deal. The package includes a substantial upfront fee, with performance-related add-ons, such as Champions League qualification bonuses, pushing the total value to €150m. This fee surpasses Liverpool’s previous record signing of Virgil van Dijk (£75m in 2018) and sets a new benchmark for the Premier League’s most expensive transfer.
Negotiations between the two clubs were led by Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes and Leverkusen’s Simon Rolfes. Initial bids, including a £113m offer last week, were rejected as Leverkusen held firm on their €150m valuation for the 22-year-old star. However, a revised offer with a carefully structured add-on package eventually convinced the Bundesliga champions to part ways with their prized asset.
Wirtz’s Decision: Liverpool Over Bayern and City
Wirtz, widely regarded as one of Europe’s brightest talents, had attracted interest from Bayern Munich and Manchester City. However, the young midfielder reportedly chose Liverpool after being impressed by Arne Slot’s vision to build the team around him as a No. 10. Personal terms with Wirtz were agreed two weeks ago, paving the way for the club-to-club negotiations to take center stage. His decision to turn down Bayern Munich and Manchester City underscores the pull of Anfield and Slot’s ambitious project.
The Player: Florian Wirtz’s Meteoric Rise
At just 22, Florian Wirtz has already established himself as a cornerstone of Bayer Leverkusen’s historic 2023/24 Bundesliga triumph, where they went unbeaten to claim their first-ever league title. The attacking midfielder contributed 16 goals and 15 assists across all competitions last season, earning him the Bundesliga Player of the Season award. Internationally, Wirtz has 31 caps for Germany, scoring seven goals, and his versatility—capable of playing as an attacking midfielder, second striker, or on the left flank—makes him a perfect fit for Slot’s dynamic system.
Wirtz’s creativity, vision, and goal-scoring prowess have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats, with Bayern Munich legend Philipp Lahm praising his ability to thrive at the highest level. His near-200 appearances for Leverkusen, with 57 goals, highlight his experience despite his young age.
Liverpool’s Summer Business: A Second Leverkusen Signing
Wirtz’s imminent arrival marks Liverpool’s second major signing from Bayer Leverkusen this summer, following the acquisition of Dutch right-back Jeremie Frimpong for £29.5m. The Reds have also secured goalkeeper Armin Pecsi and Giorgi Mamardashvili (from Valencia, agreed last year), signaling an aggressive approach in the transfer market as they prepare to defend their Premier League title.
The transfer window’s temporary closure for the Club World Cup has not impacted the deal, with the window set to reopen on June 16. Wirtz is expected to travel to Merseyside soon for a medical and to complete media duties, with contract signing to follow. Reports suggest he could earn up to £355,000 per week, reflecting his status as a marquee signing.
Implications for Liverpool’s Squad
Wirtz’s addition is set to inject significant creativity into Liverpool’s midfield, which has undergone a rapid transformation over the past year. His arrival could have implications for the squad, with reports indicating potential departures, such as Darwin Nunez, who has attracted interest from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal. Meanwhile, Liverpool are also linked with Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez and other targets as they continue their squad overhaul.
Record-Breaking Ambition
The €150m deal not only smashes Liverpool’s transfer record but also makes Wirtz the most expensive sale in Bundesliga history. Former club FC Koln, where Wirtz spent nearly a decade in their academy, will also benefit financially from the transfer. For Liverpool, this move signals their intent to compete at the highest level in both domestic and European competitions, with Wirtz poised to become a cornerstone of Slot’s era at Anfield.
What’s Next?
While the verbal agreement marks a significant step, sources at both clubs have cautioned that the deal is not yet finalized, with discussions ongoing over the structure of add-ons and payment terms. However, optimism is high, and Wirtz’s medical and contract signing are expected to be completed in the coming days. Liverpool fans will be eagerly awaiting official confirmation, which could come as early as next week when the transfer window reopens.
