The latest Liverpool FC transfer news after discussions to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz were opened.
Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz.
Bayern Munich are of the impression that Florian Wirtz is 'probably leaning' towards joining Liverpool over the German champions - club president Herbert Hainer has revealed. The wheels are beginning to turn quickly on one of the summer's most lucrative transfer sagas.
Liverpool have long-admired Wirtz, a player who at 22 years of age has already conquered the highest honours a player can in Germany, firmly has a place in his national side and most importantly still has a lengthy career ahead to gain recognition as one of the best attacking talents in Europe.
At first it was simply the establishment of the Reds' interest, now it would appear that the race could be settled in favour of the English champions.
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Bayern president speaks out
Via Maximilian Koch, Bayern president Hainer has clarified what they know about Wirtz
"[Sporting director] Max Eberl informed me that Florian Wirtz is probably leaning toward Liverpool. I can't say how things will continue with Leverkusen," the 70-year-old has said.
This comes after initial belief that the midfielder's choice would leave the Reds downcast as he would stay in his homeland, either remaining with Leverkusen or moving to Bavaria.
Wirtz transfer latest
As the ECHO understands, Liverpool have made initial contact with Leverkusen to make a start on a blockbuster transfer this summer.
Initially, they had reached out to the 22-year-old and his close circle, i.e. family members such as his father and agent, Hans-Joachim, and mother Karin, to establish whether a move to the Premier League would be enticing.
Wirtz does not have a release clause like his teammate Jeremie Frimpong and has previously had a figure put on his head as high as around £125m, so it would be up to Richard Hughes and Anfield's other transfer specialists to negotiate a fee and payment structure with Leverkusen. Such a fee would smash Liverpool's current transfer record of £75m, paid to Southampton for Virgil van Dijk in 2018.
It's understood that an agreement is not yet in place but Wirtz has been earmarked as a priority signing.
Signs were there from the start
All along hints were there that Wirtz would elect for a move abroad. Speaking earlier this month, he admitted the challenge was one that 'appeals' to him.
"I'm pretty lucky that I have so many excellent clubs right on my doorstep and that I can now play for one of the best clubs in Germany and Europe.
"I have a lot of respect for the lads here in Leverkusen who come from South America or Africa, for example, and leave their families and surroundings behind for their careers.
"It definitely appeals to me to leave my comfort zone at some point and experience something new," he said, adding: "I know football locker rooms well enough and I’m convinced that I would quickly settle in wherever I go."