Liverpool are pushing to complete a deal to sign Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz in the summer transfer window, and The Athletic's David Ornstein has explained why a deal is yet to be finalised.
Reports emerged this week that Wirtz had agreed a deal to join Liverpool in the summer, with a fee totalling around €150m. Reacting to the news, Ornstein later suggested that he wasn't aware of any agreement, with both clubs denying that they had finalised a deal for the German international.
Liverpool look set to smash their transfer record if they do bring Wirtz to Anfield, showing that they really mean business in the summer transfer window. Last summer, the Reds only brought in Federico Chiesa, keeping their powder dry to get strong in the coming months, with Jeremie Frimpong already over the line.
David Ornstein: Wirtz to Liverpool Update
Deal being held up as it stands
florian wirtz-1
Speaking on The Athletic podcast, Ornstein has provided an update on the Wirtz to Liverpool situation. The respected reporter suggests that the structure of the deal still needs to be sorted, including add-ons, bonuses, and payment terms. £100m guaranteed fee is likely to be involved, with add-ons on top.
"My understanding is that all this is onto now is really the structure of the deal, the add-ons, bonuses, the payment terms, and a huge portion, around £100m, is going to be guaranteed, and that's not insignificant. Then the add-ons after that have still got to complete the whole package. But, there are already reports of agreements being reached. The word coming out of all the parties involved was it's not quite there, but no suggestion that this isn't going to happen. To the contrary, every suggestion that it is, and they're going through these last hurdles and then as and when they can, presumably, they'll get him over for a medical and complete what would be a box office signing."
Florian Wirtz's Bundesliga statistics - Bayer Leverkusen squad ranking
Stats
Appearances
Assists
Key Passes Per Game
Shots Per Game
Dribbles Per Game
Match rating
As Ornstein mentioned, it would be a box office signing if the Merseyside club are able to get a deal over the line. It's certainly going to be costly, but there's every chance he repays the transfer fee, considering the talent he has to offer.
Sign up to The GIVEMESPORT Report to get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot Related
Fabrizio Romano: Liverpool's 'Next' Big Transfer After Wirtz is Already Decided
Fabrizio Romano says Liverpool's 'next' transfer is already decided after they agreed a deal to sign Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz.
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 12-06-25.