Liverpool are desperate to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen this summer and have been left with three options to get the blockbuster deal over the line
Florian Wirtz biting his glove, wearing a Bayer Leverkusen kit
Liverpool are yet to agree a deal for Florian Wirtz, but have three options available to them
(Image: Getty Images)
Florian Wirtz became one of the most in-demand players in Europe this year. The German playmaker – praised for his vision, technical brilliance and ability to unlock defences – is still Liverpool's top transfer target, with the club viewing him as a game-changing figure and a foundational piece in their long-term midfield plans.
After Bayer Leverkusen turned down an offer of £113million (£100m plus £13m in add-ons), Liverpool's efforts to sign Wirtz have reached a pivotal point. Talks have become complicated by financial hurdles, aesthetic ambitions and a pair of eye-catching potential swap deals.
Although Liverpool remain confident of getting a deal done, they must now ramp up their approach if they are to complete this marquee signing. This leaves them with three interesting options, each potentially paving the way for one of football's biggest transfers.
Here, ECHO breaks down the latest twists and where things currently stand in the chase for 22-year-old sensation Wirtz.
Option 1: Break the bank
The simplest, yet most daunting, choice is for Liverpool to meet Leverkusen's astronomical asking price of £127m (€150m). Any offer exceeding £115m would surpass the British transfer fee record, previously set by Chelsea's purchase of Moises Caicedo from Brighton in 2023 – a deal Liverpool came close to hijacking.
Such a move would send a clear message of intent, especially from a club that cruised to the Premier League title in 2024/25. Wirtz's ingenuity is considered the final ingredient in a midfield already featuring Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch – with the Reds viewing him as the spark that can elevate them further.
However, making such a mammoth investment would test even Fenway Sports Group's considerable resources, potentially limiting funds for signings in other position – such as a striker. It's a gamble that speaks volumes about the club's ambition and confidence in Wirtz's ability to justify what would be a historic price tag.
Florian Wirtz of Germany celebrates after scoring
It looks like Liverpool will have to break the British transfer record to sign Wirtz
Still, the pressure of becoming the most expensive player in British football history may be something Liverpool are keen to avoid. Their recent £113m offer – a mere £2m shy of the record – hints at a calculated effort to steer clear of that weight.
But if Liverpool are truly intent on acquiring the German star, eclipsing the record looks unavoidable – unless they can get creative with the terms. Which brings us to...
Option 2: Leverkusen swap deal
Liverpool could use Bayer Leverkusen's interest in Curtis Jones to their advantage. The 24-year-old, a product of Liverpool's academy, has caught Leverkusen's attention with his adaptability and energy in midfield.
Bringing Jones into the deal could substantially lower the upfront fee for Wirtz, easing the financial burden and possibly sparing Wirtz from the pressures of being a record-breaking arrival. That said, parting with Jones – a player who reflects the club's identity – would be a tough pill to swallow for fans and a potential blow to squad depth.
Manager Arne Slot holds Jones in high regard, having fielded him in 46 of Liverpool's 56 fixtures this term. Jones is seen as an integral part of the team's future and isn't on the market – but if his inclusion helps unlock the Wirtz transfer, Liverpool may be tempted.
Curtis Jones
Curtis Jones could be used as a makeweight in the deal
Moreover, Wirtz's presence could naturally reduce Jones' minutes. Both players play in similar roles, and with stiff competition for starting spots ahead of the 2025/26 season, a marquee addition like Wirtz – who's obviously not expected to be benched – could see Jones edged out, at least to some degree.
This potential swap is as much a test of Liverpool's cold-blooded ambition as it is of their emotional ties to a homegrown player. But considering the stakes, it's a conundrum that deserves serious evaluation.
Option 3: Bayern swap deal
Another scenario would involve cashing in on Cody Gakpo, with Bayern Munich reportedly interested in the Dutch attacker. Gakpo, a reliable and flexible option in the forward line, may be seen as expendable if Bayern make a compelling offer.
Slot is reportedly hesitant to lose Gakpo but could be swayed if the financial package is significant enough. Interestingly, Bayern – previously favourites to land Wirtz – have reportedly redirected their focus from signing a No. 10 to bolstering their frontline.
With Leroy Sane expected to depart this summer, Bayern see Gakpo as an ideal replacement – a goalscorer who can feature out wide or centrally to provide cover for Harry Kane. Tempting him to move to Bavaria, however, will be no simple task.
Cody Gakpo and Florian Wirtz battle for the ball
Liverpool have the option of selling Cody Gakpo to Bayern Munich to raise funds for the Florian Wirtz deal
Gakpo just delivered his most productive campaign in a Liverpool shirt, registering 25 goal involvements in 49 matches. That puts the Reds in a strong negotiating position, with sources suggesting a valuation of around £75m.
Should Bayern meet that price, Liverpool could fund nearly half of Wirtz's fee while preserving much of their transfer budget. However, sacrificing a proven performer with clear upward momentum would be a risky move – though it may be necessary if they want to seal the Wirtz deal.
Wirtz's U-turn
Initially, Wirtz appeared destined for Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga champions have a history of snapping up elite talent from their domestic rivals and were reportedly confident of finalising a deal for the midfielder after months of quiet negotiations and direct engagement with the player.
Yet it was Liverpool who ultimately swayed him. In a classy move, Wirtz reportedly made a personal call to Bayern manager Vincent Kompany to explain his decision, according to Bild.
Florian Wirtz of Leverkusen smiles
Wirtz only has eyes for Liverpool this summer(Image: Getty Images)
This not only highlights Wirtz's class and maturity but also illustrates why Liverpool are ready to go all-out to secure him, with FSG signing off on a major financial push for him last month following a personal pitch from chief executive Michael Edwards during a trip to the US.
Wirtz was also said to be impressed not only by the vibrant Anfield atmosphere during a Champions League clash with Leverkusen, but also by Liverpool's Melwood training facility, which Leverkusen used the following day.
The road ahead
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
Liverpool and Arne Slot are closing in on the club's number one transfer target
Liverpool face a defining moment in their chase for Wirtz. Their options: pay a record-breaking fee, sell Gakpo to free up funds, or send Jones to Leverkusen as a makeweight.
Wirtz's decision to favour Liverpool has put them in the driver's seat – but with Leverkusen holding firm and Bayern still lurking in the background, the stakes remain sky-high. Despite whispers of a deal being sealed, no paperwork has been signed yet, and Liverpool's next step will likely shape their entire summer.
For fans, the suspense is almost unbearable. But the vision of Wirtz orchestrating Liverpool's midfield for seasons to come is a dream well worth waiting for.