1. FSV Mainz 05 v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Bundesliga
Liverpool are set to win the race for the German sensation (Picture: Getty Images)
Florian Wirtz has said yes to a move to Liverpool with the Premier League champions prepared to offer one of their players in return as part of the deal with Bayer Leverkusen.
22-year-old Wirtz is one of the most-sought after players in Europe with the Reds sensationally emerging as the front-runners to secure his signature on Friday.
Bayern Munich were eager to keep the midfielder in Germany with reports last month suggesting a verbal agreement was in place to bring him to the Allianz Arena.
But after talks with Liverpool and visiting the north west of England to look for houses, Bayern have thrown in the towel.
Sky Sports Germany now report Writz has ‘given his word’ to Liverpool with it now down to the clubs to agree a fee.
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Leverkusen are thought to be holding out for at least €150million (£125m).
Liverpool have set aside between €130m and €150m to bring the Germany international to Anfield, with the report claiming a Liverpool player moving in the other direction is also being discussed.
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - APRIL 26: Florian Wirtz of Bayer 04 Leverkusen embraces Xabi Alonso, Head Coach of Bayer 04 Leverkusen, after the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and FC Augsburg at BayArena on April 26, 2025 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Wirtz is set to follow Alonso out of Leverkusen (Picture: Getty)
Leverkusen are on the lookout for a goalkeeper, a centre-half, a no10 and a striker this summer – with former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag in the frame to take over following Xabi Alonso’s move to Real Madrid.
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is among those who could leave Liverpool this summer, although reports in Spain suggest he already has a verbal agreement to join Atletico Madrid.
Caoimhín Kelleher could also be on the move with the Republic of Ireland international eager to secure a first-team role.
Liverpool have already agreed a deal to sign Jeremie Frimpong from Leverkusen and landing Wirtz will represent a remarkable coup for Arne Slot’s side.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen v Borussia Dortmund - Bundesliga
Frimpong has already agreed a move to Liverpool (Picture: Pau Barrena/Getty Images)
Manchester City were also eager to bring him to the club before Pep Guardiola’s side pulled out of the running due to the potential costs of the deal.
Bayern meanwhile officially confirmed they are out of the running on Saturday morning.
Bayern president Herbert Hainer told Bild: Max Eberl [Bayern’s sporting director] informed me that Florian Wirtz is probably leaning towards Liverpool. I can’t say how things will transpire with Leverkusen.’
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