Liverpool have learned Bayer Leverkusen’s demands over a deal for Florian Wirtz – which could involve at least one player leaving Anfield to make a potential transfer cheaper.
The Reds have made the playmaker their top target ahead of the summer window as Arne Slot looks to build on their Premier League-winning campaign.
It had been assumed that Wirtz would remain in Germany, either by staying with Leverkusen for another year or moving to Bayern Munich.
However, reports on Friday claimed that Liverpool have leaped to the front of the race following talks with the player’s representatives. Manchester City have also been linked with a move.
Bayern President Herbert Hainer told German outlet Abendzeitung on Saturday that Wirtz has opted not to join the club, revealing that director of sport Max Eberl informed him he was leaning towards a move to Liverpool.
The Athletic‘s David Ornstein reported that the Merseyside outfit have “opened talks” with Leverkusen, which began after an agreement was reached over the sale of Jeremie Frimpong.
Liverpool learn Leverkusen demands for ‘swift’ Wirtz transfer
Now Sky Sport Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg has provided details on what the German club want to receive in return for their star player.
It’s claimed that Leverkusen want a Liverpool player in addition to a transfer fee and are “searching for a goalkeeper, a central defender, potentially a striker, and a replacement for Wirtz”.
That could bring down the cost of a deal for Wirtz, who Leverkusen value at around €150 million (£126m). Die Werkself are “keen to reach a swift agreement”.
Even at a reduced price, signing Wirtz would represent a club record transfer fee, eclipsing the €85m they paid Benfica for Darwin Nunez in 2022.
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