Liverpool are accelerating their interest in Bayer Leverkusen phenomenon Florian Wirtz.
The Merseysiders are reportedly considering making a major investment in the German international.
The former Bundesliga champions are understood to value the 22-year-old at €150m [£126.3m].
Why Michael Edwards called USA meeting
Florian Wirtz fires a shot during Bundesliga game.
(Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)
Bayern Munich, it should be emphasised, remain confident that Florian Wirtz will be true to his word.
The attacking midfielder had agreed on two potential pathways to Munich. One being an immediate transfer this summer (provided both clubs can agree on a fee), and the second being a move delayed to next summer.
However, Liverpool’s increased pressure may threaten this transfer. The Merseysiders are taking the next step in the poker game for Wirtz.
Meanwhile, Premier League rivals, Manchester City are understood to be out of the race (BBC Sport). However, reports coming out of Spain indicate that Real Madrid will officially join the race.
Liverpool’s decision-makers, led by Michael Edwards, flew to Boston this week to meet Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, in order to approve the funds for the potential transfer.
The meeting in the USA was called at short notice following the Wirtz family’s visit. The Liverpool bosses’ main aim is to snatch the midfielder away from FC Bayern.
Liverpool see their opportunity to sign Florian Wirtz
Liverpool have been keeping a close eye on the footballer’s development for years, and information has been gathered.
Now, Arne Slot’s outfit sees its chance to strike!
The money is available because, following the extensions of top stars Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah until 2027, the Premier League-winning team doesn’t require a hugely expensive rebuild.
The idea is that Liverpool can strengthen at the top, building on a world-class spine.
Where Wirtz can make a difference
Dominik Szoboszlai is rightly deemed an important cog in Liverpool’s renewed midfield.
However, the Hungarian continues to face some criticism over his level of contribution in the final third.
The 24-year-old has, to his credit, improved on his 2023/24 numbers with eight goals and nine assists (up from 12 goal contributions last term).
Though this still falls short of Florian Wirtz’s remarkable tally of 31 goal contributions (16 goals and 15 assists) in all competitions in 2024/25.
Florian Wirtz stats Dominik Szoboszlai stats
Non-penalty xG 0.25 0.24
xAG 0.26 0.23
Shot-creating actions 5.5 3.99
Touches in attacking penalty box 5.28 3.55
* Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai stats per 90, via FBref
There may be reasonable questions over the German’s comparative rate of industry in the middle of the park. Ultimately, however, it’s undeniable that Wirtz is by far the more potent attacking threat.
This could be a difference-maker for the Reds in their bid to progress deeper into the Champions League knockout stages in the 2025/26 season.
The Bayern Insider: Jonathan Tah opportunity ahead of crunch Eberl transfer meeting