Florian Wirtz faces increasing speculation over a proposed move to Liverpool.
Florian Wirtz faces increasing speculation over a proposed move to Liverpool.
Liverpool are right on the cusp of getting their crowning moment as they meet Crystal Palace in the final Premier League game of the season on Sunday. The champions are gearing up for a momentous weekend and there could still be more to come with reports suggesting Florian Wirtz is close to a record-breaking move.
The Reds will finally get their hands on the silverware on Sunday after clinching their 20th top-flight crown in English football after their emphatic win over Tottenham Hotspur in April. But there is already a focus on next season with Jeremie Frimpong closing in on a deal while speculation reckons Wirtz could well follow his Bayer Leverkusen teammate to Anfield.
It's gearing up to be a huge summer at Liverpool, with Trent Alexander-Arnold among the players confirmed to be leaving the club while others, like Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz, face speculation over potential exits.
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With their trophy parade then to follow on Monday, billed to be another historic day in the history of Liverpool, the Reds are riding the crest of a wave - as they bring down the curtain on a phenomenal debut season for Arne Slot. The ECHO has taken a look at the latest news, reports and gossip surrounding the club;
Bayer Leverkusen icon demands Florian Wirtz snub
Germany icon Rudi Voller has expressed his hope that Wirtz remains at Leverkusen amid Liverpool interest.
The 65-year-old had a spell on the pitch for Die Werkself before moving into their managerial role, twice, as well in the position of sporting director - most recently being in the role for 17 years until 2022.
Wirtz has become one of the most coveted players in Europe - and he's widely regarded as one of the best players that Germany have ahead of the World Cup next summer.
Bayern Munich have been strong suitors, while Manchester City recently pulled out of the race for him as Liverpool are claimed to be frontrunners.
And Voller hopes that he wished the 22-year-old will stay at the BayArena.
"I have such a small wish inside," he began.
"Maybe it would be best if he still [in] one year left, but even if he already wanted to change, it would actually be okay. In the end, it's always a question, a question of price.
"Leverkusen is a club, too, and they have to say yes at some point if a certain amount is reached.
"And if that is reached, then that's how it will be.
"And if not, then he'll stay for another year.
"We can all have our say. So a small wish, maybe it is best if he still [has] a year left, but even if he already wanted to change, it would not be okay.
"At the end, it's always a question of the price. Leverkusen is also a club which will have to say yes if a certain sum is reached."
Florian Wirtz transfer completion date pinpointed
Liverpool's talks with Wirtz are progressing and the indication is that negotiations will be successful, according to Kicker. The German outlet have, however, ruled out the prospect of a deal being concluded this weekend - forging a double celebration for the Reds when they get their hands on the Premier League trophy.
Fabrizio Romano also claimed that he doesn't expect a two to three-week saga, with the Reds keen to wrap up a deal, as the ECHO reported.
He suggests that talks over a package are progressing with Liverpool on track to get everything done.
The fee is said to exceed €100million (£83million), while Kicker reports that the move would make Wirtz the most expensive signing in Premier League history - surpassing Enzo Fernandez's move to Chelsea.
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