Liverpool’s move for Florian Wirtz has been one of the biggest headlines of the summer. The German playmaker is apparently set to join the Premier League champions in a deal worth a record £116 million.
But how did the Reds pull off such a big signing — especially when Bayern Munich and Manchester City were circling?
The answer lies in two names: Arne Slot and Michael Edwards.
Slot, the Liverpool boss, impressed Wirtz and his family with a clear vision (via Lewis Steele). He told them Wirtz would be the centrepiece of his team — Liverpool’s number 10.
🗞️ Wirtz had held talks with both Pep Guardiola and Bayern boss Vincent Kompany but it was Slot who convinced the family including father/agent Hans-Joachim that Liverpool was the place for him.
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That pitch worked. As German football expert Constantin Eckner put it, “Arne Slot…offered Wirtz the best plan for the next couple of years.”
But Slot was only part of the story.
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How Michael Edwards contributed in Florian Wirtz transfer deal?
The groundwork was laid years ago by Michael Edwards. He first spotted Wirtz while the teenager was still at FC Cologne.
Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp gave him the tip, and Edwards made the trip to meet Wirtz’s parents, Hans-Joachim and Karin. A bond was formed — one that Bayern didn’t see coming.
While Bayern dangled big wages and even hinted at bringing in Wirtz’s sister Juliane, it wasn’t enough. Wirtz chose the plan over the paycheck.
“I think my parents would get mad if I was too fixated on money,” Wirtz once said. It wasn’t just about football. It was about trust. Edwards had built that over five years.
In the end, Bayern had Musiala. City had Guardiola. But Liverpool had a long-term plan—and a man who knew how to close the deal.
Wirtz will now join Jeremie Frimpong at Anfield as the second part of a summer rebuild. With his flair, Liverpool hopes they’ve signed their next great playmaker.
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