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Liverpool receive huge boost in Florian Wirtz pursuit as rival pulls out of deal

Liverpool have received a huge boost in their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen sensation Florian Wirtz after Manchester City have reportedly pulled the plug on their deal

15:50, 19 May 2025Updated 15:54, 19 May 2025

Florian Wirtz

Liverpool have received a boost in their bid to sign Florian Wirtz

Liverpool have received a major boost in their bid to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has become one of the most sought-after footballers following his incredible form for Leverkusen when they won the Bundesliga last season for the first time ever.

Wirtz has since continued his spectacular form in the Euros last year and this season too, where he’s scored 10 and assisted 12 goals for Leverkusen as they came runners-up to Bayern Munich.

The German looks set to leave the BayArena with interest in him mounting from top clubs around Europe, including Bayern Munich and Liverpool.

And the Reds have received a boost in their hopes of attracting Wirtz to Anfield after it was reported that Manchester City have pulled out of negotiations to sign him.

Florian Wirtz looks on during Bayer Leverkusen's game against Borussia Dortmund

The German has a £120m price tag(Image: Getty Images)

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According to the BBC, the beaten FA Cup finalists are withdrawing from the race as they feel the transfer does not represent value for money.

Any possible deal would be the most expensive in City’s history, and they estimate the transfer would cost approximately €300million (£253m) in total.

Wirtz is reported to have a price tag north of £120m, but the overall cost is expected to be significantly more with the inclusion of wages and other fees surrounding the transfer.

It’s said that while City and Bayern acknowledge Wirtz as one of Europe’s best young talents, there are concerns that the deal is over-inflated.

In City’s case, Pep Guardiola is in the market for a new attacking midfielder after Kevin De Bruyne announced he will leave the Etihad at the end of the season after he wasn’t awarded a fresh contract extension.

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Their shortlist is believed to include Nottingham Forest and England star Morgan Gibbs-White among other options.

Liverpool continue to press on with the signing of Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong, with a £30m deal agreed for the Dutchman, who is set to undergo a medical.

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