Liverpool are understood to have opened direct talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a potential deal for Florian Wirtz after the attacking midfielder signalled a desire to move to Anfield this summer
01:01, 24 May 2025
Bayern had increasingly accepted that Wirtz was leaning towards Liverpool.
Bayern had increasingly accepted that Wirtz was leaning towards Liverpool
Liverpool have initiated discussions with Bayer Leverkusen regarding Florian Wirtz, as they aim to set the stage for a sensational transfer this summer window.
The Reds expressed their interest in a potential deal with Leverkusen to Wirtz's representatives last week, should the 22 year old fancy a new challenge away from the Bundesliga.
At that point, Manchester City and Bayern Munich were still contenders, and Anfield insiders anticipated that the 22-year-old player would prefer to remain in his home country, either with Leverkusen, aiding them transition beyond the Xabi Alonso era, or with Bayern, who reclaimed their Bundesliga title from die Werkself this season.
Florian Wirtz
It would be Florian Wirtz's first move out of German leagues
However, reports on Friday evening suggested that Bayern had increasingly accepted that Wirtz was leaning towards Liverpool. The Premier League champions are now directly negotiating with Bayer over a deal that could shatter the club's £75m transfer record, paid to secure Virgil van Dijk in January 2018.
Wirtz has been valued at approximately £125m, and the financial implications of the deal were reportedly the reason behind City's decision to withdraw as they plan a revamp under Pep Guardiola this summer.
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While an agreement between the two clubs is not imminent, it's understood that Wirtz has been identified as a priority signing at Anfield as they seek to strengthen their squad further following a triumphant Premier League campaign under Arne Slot.
Negotiations with the German team over Wirtz have been smooth thanks to ongoing talks about Jeremie Frimpong, tipped for a medical last week ahead of a potential move to Anfield.
Jeremie Frimpong
Talks have been promising on a Jeremie Frimpong transfer
The promising attacking midfielder was on the receiving end of criticism from Bayern Munich star Stefan Effenberg in the German press for dithering over his career decisions. The former player expressed frustration: "I think it's a shame that there has still been no official statement from the Wirtz side about the direction in which things could go. So all sides - clubs, fans, the public - remain in the dark for far too long. This is tiring and not appropriate to the situation."
Xabi Alonso, turning out for his final presser as Leverkusen gaffer, lavished praise on Wirtz, saying: "Flo is one of the top players in the world. He is world-class. Flo has a very mature mind. The people around him, his parents, they want the best for him."
Arne Slot
Slot will be looking to follow on from his Premier League success(Image: Getty Images)
Commenting on the buzz surrounding the young star, Alonso added: "They are in a very important moment of his career. Whatever he does, I am really close to Flo, and I will be happy for him. Let's wait a little bit. It's normal in football that there are rumours, especially with such a special player."
If the Reds secure Leverkusen's No. 10, it'll send a thunderous message from Slot's team, fresh from snagging their 20th league crown last month – well before season's end.
Currently sunning himself on holiday, Wirtz closed off his Bundesliga season the previous weekend.
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