According to sources from CBS Sports, Liverpool has reached an initial agreement with Bayer Leverkusen for the transfer of Florian Wirtz, valued at $135 million. This potential deal for the German international might surpass the British transfer record, currently held by Chelsea`s acquisition of Enzo Fernandez from Benfica for nearly $145 million.
The final cost for Liverpool is contingent on add-ons and remains uncertain. German sources indicate the total fee could potentially reach Bayer Leverkusen`s desired $170 million for their standout player, although another estimate suggests Liverpool`s maximum expenditure would be closer to $157 million.
Wirtz is reportedly now free to negotiate his personal terms with Liverpool. This step is not anticipated to be problematic, as competing clubs like Bayern Munich and Manchester City withdrew their interest after it became clear the 22-year-old preferred a move to the Premier League champions. Wirtz is currently said to be on holiday; upon his return, he must complete a medical examination before the transfer to Anfield is officially confirmed.
Regardless of the precise final fee, Wirtz`s transfer will represent Liverpool`s most expensive signing ever, exceeding the estimated $115 million paid to Benfica for Darwin Nunez. It will also set a new record for Bayer Leverkusen in terms of player sales, surpassing the approximately $115 million they received from Chelsea for Kai Havertz.
After Kai Havertz`s departure in 2020, Wirtz took over as Leverkusen`s primary creative force. The former Cologne youth player quickly developed into one of Europe`s premier playmakers. He is set to leave the Bay Arena having scored 59 goals and provided 63 assists in 201 appearances, having been the standout performer in the remarkable Leverkusen squad that secured both the Bundesliga title and the DFB Pokal with an unbeaten domestic record in the 2023-24 season.
Wirtz`s potential transfer follows that of his former Leverkusen teammate Jeremie Frimpong, indicating Liverpool`s significant investment strategy after their dominant Premier League title win last season. Under Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen, Wirtz typically played as the left-sided attacking midfielder in a pair. His adaptability will likely be highly appreciated by Arne Slot, who could utilize him centrally, on the left flank, or even in a more central attacking role.
