Liverpool have agreed to sign German playmaker Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal that could reach £116 million, making it the biggest transfer in the club’s history.
British media reports say Liverpool will pay an initial £100 million, with the rest tied to performance bonuses. If all targets are met, the total could exceed the £115 million Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo in 2023 — which would also make it a new British transfer record.
German reports suggest the deal might even hit 150 million euros (£127m) depending on future add-ons.
Wirtz, 22, is considered one of the top young talents in Europe. He helped Bayer Leverkusen win the Bundesliga and the German Cup in the 2023/24 season, going the entire domestic campaign unbeaten under coach Xabi Alonso — now manager of Real Madrid. Wirtz was also named Bundesliga Player of the Year.
Though Leverkusen missed out on a treble after losing the Europa League final to Atalanta, Wirtz’s performance over the season caught attention across Europe. Manchester City were also interested in the midfielder but reportedly backed out because of the rising costs.
Wirtz has 57 goals and 65 assists in 197 matches for Leverkusen, showing his skill as both a creator and goal-scorer. He usually plays behind a striker but has also featured out wide for Germany.
Liverpool’s new coach Arne Slot had a quiet first season in the transfer market but is now strengthening the squad after winning the Premier League for a record-equalling 20th time. Wirtz’s signing follows that of teammate Jeremie Frimpong, and Liverpool are also close to signing Milos Kerkez, a left-back from Bournemouth.
With stars like Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, and Cody Gakpo already in attack, Wirtz’s arrival adds more depth to Liverpool’s forward line. But it could also mean some current players like Darwin Nunez or Diogo Jota may be sold to balance the squad or fund other signings.
The Reds are clearly aiming to stay competitive both in England and Europe with their latest high-profile moves.
