Liverpool have shattered their transfer record to secure the signing of German sensation Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, in a staggering deal that could rise to £116 million ($157 million) with add-ons.
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder, widely regarded as one of Europe’s brightest talents, will move to Anfield for an initial £100 million fee already eclipsing the Reds’ previous record signing. Performance-related clauses could push the total package even higher, potentially making it the most expensive transfer in British football history.
German outlets suggest the final price tag could top €150 million (£127 million, $172 million), overtaking the £115 million Chelsea agreed to pay for Moises Caicedo in 2023 after the Ecuadorian rejected a move to Liverpool.
Wirtz’s arrival signals a bold statement of intent from Liverpool, who are backing new manager Arne Slot with serious firepower in the transfer market. Until now, Slot’s first summer window had been relatively quiet but that’s changed in dramatic fashion.
Wirtz isn’t coming alone. The Reds have already signed his Leverkusen teammate Jeremie Frimpong and are reportedly closing in on Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, as they aim to refresh and reinforce a squad that just matched Manchester United’s record of 20 English league titles.
The signing comes off the back of Wirtz’s phenomenal 2023/24 campaign. The German international played a starring role in Bayer Leverkusen’s historic, undefeated domestic season under manager Xabi Alonso, winning both the Bundesliga and German Cup. Although their quest for a perfect treble was derailed by Atalanta in the Europa League final, Wirtz’s performances earned him the Bundesliga Player of the Year award.
Liverpool’s investment in Wirtz is also a symbolic victory, having seen Manchester City drop out of the race due to escalating costs. Wirtz now joins the Merseyside club at the peak of his powers, poised to become a central figure in the team’s next chapter.
The move not only underlines Liverpool’s return to aggressive recruitment, but also cements their status as a club ready to challenge both domestically and in Europe once again.
