Liverpool have agreed to sign Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz for a club-record fee of €136.3 million (£116m) — €117.5m upfront and €18.8m in add-ons. The 21-year-old is expected to sign a five-year deal at Anfield, with the total fee potentially setting a British transfer record if the bonuses are triggered.
Wirtz, who had also drawn interest from Bayern Munich, preferred a move to Liverpool and has already begun house hunting in the UK. The deal was finalized after weeks of negotiations led by Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, focusing heavily on payment structure rather than meeting Leverkusen’s full €150m valuation.
A standout performer, Wirtz contributed 16 goals and 15 assists in 45 matches last season, following a historic unbeaten Bundesliga title campaign where he scored 18 and assisted 20, earning Bundesliga Player of the Season.
Liverpool also recently signed Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong for €35m, a move made following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s transfer to Real Madrid.
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How Wirtz Improves Liverpool
Under Arne Slot, Liverpool have used Dominik Szoboszlai as their attacking midfielder, valued more for his pressing and off-ball movement than goal contribution. While Szoboszlai has been a dynamic presence, his six goals and seven assists in 36 league games highlight a need for more offensive production.
Wirtz brings creativity, close control, and goal-scoring ability, with 21 Bundesliga goals and 25 assists since the start of last season. His versatility — capable of playing across the front line — enhances Liverpool’s tactical flexibility.
He won’t overhaul the system but adds a new dimension, especially effective against deep defensive blocks. Wirtz’s arrival may also ease the transition post-Salah, offering long-term attacking insurance for the club’s evolving front line.
