Image Credits: Getty Images
Bayer Leverkusen are continuing to prepare for life without Florian Wirtz according to recent reports.
Liverpool have agreed a club-record deal with Bayer Leverkusen to sign German attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz in a transfer that could break the British transfer record at £116 million123.
The Premier League champions have successfully fended off competition from Bayern Munich, Manchester City, and Real Madrid to secure the signature of one of Europe’s most coveted young talents.
The transfer package consists of an initial guaranteed payment of £100 million, with additional performance-related bonuses of up to £16 million that could push the total fee to £116 million.
Should all add-ons be triggered, the deal would surpass the current British transfer record of £115 million paid by Chelsea for Moises Caicedo from Brighton in 2023.
The deal represents a remarkable return on investment for Leverkusen, who acquired Wirtz from FC Köln in January 2020 for just €200,000 when he was 16 years old.
And it seems that under new manager Erik Ten Hag, the Bundesliga side are looking to invest in new talent immediately.
talkSPORT have reported that Justin Kluivert is a candidate to replace the outgoing Florian Wirtz:
“Bayer Leverkusen have called Bournemouth to enquire on the availability of Justin Kluivert, talkSPORT understands,” chief reporter Alex Crook revealed.
“New Leverkusen manager, and former Manchester United boss, Erik ten Hag is understood to be driving the potential move, viewing Kluivert as the perfect profile to fill the void left by Wirtz.”
“Bournemouth have made it clear to Leverkusen that Kluivert is not for sale. However, owner Bill Foley has said in the past he won’t unduly stand in the way of player exits at the right price.”
After the season Bournemouth had, it comes as no surprise that clubs around Europe are looking to do some shopping at the Vitality Stadium.
The Cherries have already seen Dean Huijsen depart for Real Madrid this summer, and Milos Kerkez appears poised to follow him out the door as Liverpool close in on a deal for the left-back.
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.