In a major development in the world of football, Liverpool has reportedly reached an agreement to acquire the talented attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz. The Premier League club is set to pay a substantial transfer fee of 116 million pounds, approximately $157 million, to Bayer Leverkusen for the services of the 22-year-old German international.
The proposed deal comprises a guaranteed sum of 100 million pounds with an additional 16 million pounds in potential add-ons. Should all conditions be met, this transaction would establish a new benchmark as the most significant transfer fee in British football history.
This potential new record surpasses the previous mark set when Chelsea acquired Enzo Fernandez from Benfica for a fee of 106.7 million pounds in 2023. Further driving home their spending prowess, Chelsea also secured the services of midfielder Moises Caicedo from Brighton later that summer, agreeing to a fee reaching up to 115 million pounds, which included an upfront payment of 100 million pounds.
Multiple British media outlets, including reputable names, have disclosed the specifics of the fee involved in the Wirtz transfer, though official confirmation from specific sources remains elusive. Sky Sports has echoed similar reports, pinpointing the fee at 116.5 million pounds. The player himself seemingly verified the impending move on his Instagram account, dismissing speculation regarding his preference for the No. 10 jersey, which currently belongs to Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.
Expectations are that Wirtz will undergo a medical examination shortly, an essential step before the official signing. Liverpool, fresh from a Premier League triumph, is strategically aiming to bolster their squad, aspiring to build a dominant legacy in English football.
This move will also see Wirtz reunite with his former Bayer Leverkusen teammate, Jeremie Frimpong. The Dutch right-back made his switch to Liverpool for fee figures ranging between 35 to 40 million euros last month.
Despite his young age, having just turned 22, Wirtz boasts significant experience at the top level of German football. Since debuting at 17, he has consistently played a pivotal role for Leverkusen, shining brightest during the club’s victorious Bundesliga and German Cup campaigns in the 2023-24 season, which they concluded unbeaten.