Liverpool are closing in on what could be a record-breaking capture of Bayer Leverkusen superstar Florian Wirtz, who has provided a little window into the kind of character he is behind the scenes
Florian Wirtz
Liverpool fans will love what Florian Wirtz has done recently(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool aren't just targeting a top-class talent in Florian Wirtz - they're pursuing a player of real character too. That much is clear from a small but telling gesture the German midfielder made towards Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany.
Wirtz is poised to become the most expensive signing in Premier League history this summer, with Liverpool deep in negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen over a blockbuster deal. The Reds have tabled an opening bid of €100million (£84m) plus add-ons, but Leverkusen are reportedly holding out for closer to £126m.
Bayern Munich were hoping to pip Liverpool in the race for Wirtz's signature, having worked on a deal behind the scenes for some time, but were informed last week that the player's preference was a move to Anfield. And in a show of respect and class, Wirtz personally phoned Kompany to explain his decision, according to Bild.
It suggests that the 22-year-old would bring not just jaw-dropping ability, but a notable level of maturity to Merseyside - should his move to Liverpool be completed in the coming weeks.
That maturity may help explain Liverpool's willingness to shatter their transfer record for him. Owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) reportedly approved a mega-money approach earlier this month, following chief executive Michael Edwards' trip to the US to personally present the case for Wirtz's value.
But Wirtz's decision to turn down Bayern wasn't solely driven by Liverpool's determination to flex their financial muscles. According to reports, he was captivated by the atmosphere at Anfield when Leverkusen faced Liverpool in the Champions League last November.
The following day, Leverkusen were given access to Liverpool's Melwood training ground - and Wirtz was said to be deeply impressed by the "state-of-the-art" facilities. Reds manager Arne Slot is also believed to have played a key role in swaying the midfielder's decision, even if indirectly.
Florian Wirtz and Vincent Kompany
Wirtz was transformed from a baby-faced prodigy into a global star under the guidance of ex-Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, who, as a former midfielder, understood how to unlock his potential. It's understood he feels confident that Slot, also a former midfielder, can do the same at Liverpool.
Wirtz has been in scintillating form in Germany. A key figure in Leverkusen's historic Bundesliga-winning campaign in 2023/24, he's racked up a remarkable 31 goal contributions across 45 appearances this season.
Should he complete his move to Anfield, expectations will be sky-high and Wirtz will be under pressure to deliver from day one - particularly if he arrives as Liverpool's record signing. He'd be taking the record off Darwin Nunez, who joined from Benfica for £85m in 2022, but has struggled to live up to that price tag ever since.
If Leverkusen's valuation is met, Wirtz will become the most expensive player in English football history. The current record belongs to Moises Caicedo, whose £115m move from Brighton to Chelsea in 2023 - a deal Liverpool came close to hijacking - set the benchmark, narrowly edging out Chelsea's £106m signing of Enzo Fernandez and the £105m Arsenal paid for Declan Rice earlier in the year.
However, the Wirtz deal still wouldn't eclipse the highest transfer fee ever involving a Premier League club. That distinction remains with Philippe Coutinho's £142m move from Liverpool to Barcelona in 2018.
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