Liverpool’s ambitious plans for the future are taking shape with club chairman Tom Werner delivering on his promise to back the team.
The Reds are poised to complete a record-breaking $157 million transfer for German midfielder Florian Wirtz, a deal that signals the club’s determination to build a competitive squad for years to come.
Wirtz has emerged as one of Europe’s brightest young talents, shining during his time at Bayer Leverkusen. His technical ability, vision, and creativity have made him a standout performer in the Bundesliga, attracting interest from the likes of Bayern Munich and Manchester City as well as admiration from Real Madrid. Liverpool’s move to secure Wirtz is a clear statement of intent, underlining their desire to strengthen the midfield and support their attacking options.
After Liverpool lifted the Premier League trophy at Anfield, the Reds chairman paused to speak with reporters, expressing excitement and optimism about the club’s future. “We go again,” he vowed. “It never gets old, winning. We owe it to all of our supporters to bring back a team that’s even better next season.”
Liverpool began its summer transfer activity by signing Jeremie Frimpong. The 24-year-old wing-back and close friend of Florian Wirtz, made the switch to Merseyside from Bayer Leverkusen for $40 million (£29.5 million).
Wirtz is the first major investment in an established elite player since goalkeeper Alisson joined from Roma for $88 million (£65 million) in July 2018, shortly after the $101 million (£75 million) signing of centre-back Virgil van Dijk from Southampton.
Liverpool has agreed what could be a Premier League record transfer for Florian Wirtz
Liverpool has agreed what could be a Premier League record transfer for Florian Wirtz (Image: Getty Images)
In recent years, Liverpool has primarily focused on developing talent internally rather than making high-profile purchases. Over the past two transfer windows, the only significant addition to manager Arne Slot’s first-team squad was Federico Chiesa from Juventus, signed for an initial $13 million (£10 million). Liverpool also secured a $39 million (£29 million) deal with Valencia for goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who is set to join the club this summer.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have generated up to $35.8 million (£26.4 million) from the recent sales of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Caoimhin Kelleher, with that total expected to increase as further departures are confirmed ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline.
The Reds are also expected to complete a few more signings this summer, with the club edging closer to securing a deal for Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, as well as being in the market for a striker. Viktor Gyökeres, Victor Osimhen, and Hugo Ekitike have all been linked as potential signings, though Alexander Isak has been a preferred option.
However it's incredibly unlikely any of those moves will take place this summer, if at all.