Kostas Tsimikas, Liverpool's fan favorite defender, has shown his interest in the club's chase for Bayer Leverkusen's prodigy Florian Wirtz by liking a social media post offering an ‘update’.
The initial phase of the transfer window has shut following an opportunity for clubs to bolster their ranks before the Club World Cup, scheduled between June 1 and June 10. Nonetheless, Liverpool's ambition to snag the German international has been at the forefront of speculation.
The buzz around Anfield intensified on Tuesday night following reports that Liverpool had secured a mammoth $170 million agreement for the virtuoso midfielder, signalling a potential close to the high-profile pursuit. Yet, reports from the ECHO late last night suggested that dialogue between the parties was ongoing and any news of an accord was refuted as hasty by insiders at both the Reds and the German club.
The Merseyside outfit has sustained its dialogue with Leverkusen by laying out several official offers, including the most recent one pitched a week ago, offering $135 million upfront alongside an additional $19 million dependent on performances. Contrastingly, there were suggestions from certain quarters that a verbal concord had been reached by all involved.
A particular eye-catching statement was issued by Fabrizio Romano who announced on Instagram: "HERE WE GO! Liverpool agree club record deal to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer04.
"Verbal agreement in principle between Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen, deal worth up to €150m add-ons included for Florian Wirtz to become new Reds star.
"All agreed on player side since two weeks ago... and finally all set also between clubs for Wirtz to move.
"WIRTZ COMING TO ANFIELD."
Kostas Tsimikas appeared to like a post on social media regarding a 'transfer update' on Liverpool's interest in Florian Wirtz.
Kostas Tsimikas appeared to like a post on social media regarding a 'transfer update' on Liverpool's interest in Florian Wirtz. (Image: Instagram)
The post garnered 1.9 million likes at the time of writing, with Liverpool defender Kostas Tsimikas among those who hit the 'like' button. Tsimikas had a first-hand look at the potential Reds recruit during their Champions League group stage clash with Leverkusen in November.
Liverpool emerged victorious with a 4-0 win, spurred on by Luis Diaz's second-half hat-trick and Cody Gakpo's goal, which came just two minutes after the Colombian's opening strike. Wirtz has been representing Germany over the past fortnight, with Julian Nagelsmann's team vying for victory in the UEFA Nations League on home soil.
The 22 year old took to the pitch but couldn't steer his side to their maiden triumph in the tournament as they were narrowly defeated by Portugal in the semi-final before losing the third-place playoff to France on Sunday.
However, Wirtz did find the back of the net against eventual champions Portugal, who overcame Spain on penalties. He headed in the opening goal in last week's match, which saw Diogo Jota's team score twice to reverse their deficit.