As the news regarding Florian Wirtz's potential move to Liverpool continues to heat up, a financial admission from the player himself offers an insight into his character
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Sport
12:34, 26 May 2025
Florian Wirtz wearing a set of headphones
Liverpool are stepping up their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz
Florian Wirtz has already made it clear that his thirst for success takes precedence over any financial thoughts. Liverpool are looking to quickly complete a deal for the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder after opening talks last week, as reported by the ECHO.
Wirtz was also heavily linked to Manchester City and Bayern Munich, but it appears he has chosen Anfield. This would come as a huge boost to Liverpool fans, who have already seen the club pipped to the signatures of Jude Bellingham, Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia in recent years.
Following Liverpool's the Premier League title win this season, past comments from Wirtz shine light on why a move to Anfield was so appealing to the 22-year-old.
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In a previous interview with Sports Illustrated Germany, Wirtz said: "When I moved from Cologne to Leverkusen, I didn't think about my salary for a single second, but only about what was best for my career. I don't even think about how much money I have in my account or what I could earn in the future.
"Of course, you should make sure you get a good contract. But for me, the sporting perspective is much more important than the money. I think my parents would be angry if I were too fixated on money.
"After I moved to Leverkusen at 16, my parents managed my salary and sent me 150 euros a month. That shaped me. It was important to my parents that I didn't do anything stupid with my salary.”
His comments make it clear that Wirtz does not make his football decisions with money as the primary incentive. His ambitiousness and desire to win trophies are evidently at the forefront of his thoughts - Liverpool's title triumph may have been one of the key factors.
Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz (centre) anf Liverpool's Luis Diaz (centre) battle for the ball during the UEFA Champions League, league stage match at Anfield, Liverpool
Wirtz played against Liverpool in the Champions League
According to talkSPORT, Wirtz has agreed personal terms with Liverpool. In addition, Fabrizio Romano also claimed the club have also launched a bid believed to be in excess of €100m (£84m) for the midfielder. This news comes soon after Bayern Munich admitted defeat in their pursuit.
Bayern's club president Herbert Hainer, at a fan festival in Germany, recently said: "Max Eberl [director of sport] informed me that Florian Wirtz is probably leaning towards Liverpool. I can't say how things will transpire with Leverkusen."
With personal terms already reportedly agreed, Liverpool officials are understood to be restarting negotiations with Leverkusen. It's believed the Bundesliga giants value him at around £125m, which would make him the most expensive player in Premier League history, significantly surpassing the £115m Chelsea paid to sign Caicedo in 2023.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 05: Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool in action with Florian Wirtzof Bayer Leverkusen during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Anfield on November 05, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Wirtz has previously spoken about wanting to leave his comfort zone
Wirtz contributed 16 goals and 15 assists in 45 appearances for Leverkusen this season. When the club won their first ever Bundesliga title without losing a single domestic match under Xabi Alonso the season before, he helped himself to 18 goals and 20 assists in all competitions.
But with Alonso now confirmed as manager of Real Madrid, Wirtz looks set to depart the BayArena, fulfilling an ambition to challenge himself in a new environment. He added: "I have great respect for the guys here in Leverkusen, who come from South America or Africa, for example, and leave their families and surroundings behind for their careers.
"I'm definitely keen to leave my comfort zone at some point and experience something new. I know the football changing rooms well enough and am convinced that I would quickly find a place anywhere.”