Liverpool made a significant move to assert their dominance in the Premier League by signing German sensation Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for a potential total of £116 million ($156 million). This transfer, which could make Wirtz the most expensive player in British football history, signifies Liverpool’s ambitions following their latest title triumph.
“I am incredibly happy and proud,” Wirtz stated on the official Liverpool website. “This is something I’ve eagerly awaited, and embarking on a new journey in the Premier League excites me. I’ve spoken to players about the league, and they’ve assured me it’s a fantastic opportunity, with every match being enjoyable. I can’t wait to step onto the pitch for my first game.”
The Reds, who recently claimed their 20th English top-flight title, broke their own transfer record to acquire one of the brightest talents in world football. Wirtz has been instrumental for Leverkusen since debuting at just 17, contributing to their unbeaten Bundesliga and German Cup success in the 2023-24 season, and earning a regular spot in Germany’s national team.
Liverpool agreed to a guaranteed fee of £100 million ($134.4 million) along with potential add-ons worth £16 million ($21.5 million). With two years remaining on his contract, Leverkusen was in a strong negotiating position.
Notably, the previous Premier League record was set when Chelsea purchased Enzo Fernandez for £106.7 million ($131.4 million) in 2023. Liverpool, under the management of Arne Slot, is looking to bolster their squad after securing the league title by a 10-point margin, and Wirtz is poised to play a pivotal role.
Prior to this, Liverpool acquired right-back Jeremie Frimpong from Leverkusen for about €35 to €40 million ($39.7 million to $45.4 million). Wirtz chose Liverpool over Bayern Munich, a club that had pursued him for some time.
Wirtz’s departure from Leverkusen leaves a notable gap for new coach Erik ten Hag, following the exit of former mentor Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid.
From his debut at just 17 during the COVID-19 pandemic to becoming the youngest player to score in Bundesliga history, Wirtz’s journey has been remarkable. His creative midfield prowess was crucial in transforming Leverkusen into a formidable force. Despite facing a significant knee injury in 2022, he returned to help secure the league and cup double the following season.
With 29 caps for Germany and a standout performance at Euro 2024, Wirtz is now a critical asset for the national team. His decision to leave the Bundesliga for Liverpool has surprised many, including former German legend Lothar Matthaus, who commented on Wirtz’s desire to explore new challenges.
As he prepares to potentially take on the No. 10 role at Liverpool, it remains to be seen if Slot will pursue additional attacking options, enhancing his squad even further for the upcoming season.