Liverpool have upped their bid for Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz to a gigantic figure as they edge closer to the £126million that the German club want for their prodigy. The 22-year-old midfielder, having turned down Bayern Munich, could be set to sign a five-year deal at Anfield if Liverpool can agree on terms.
It has been claimed by The Athletic that a package worth £109m in total including achievable add-ons has been tabled. This offer could gain Leverkusen's approval given that Liverpool are an overseas buyer which may allow for greater flexibility on the price. If he joins, Wirtz won't be the sole talent making the switch from Leverkusen to Liverpool - Jeremie Frimpong's £29.5m release clause has already been triggered.
Bayern officials seem resigned to lose out on Wirtz, acknowledging his preference for a switch to Premier League champions Liverpool after discussions took place with his representatives in the vicinity of Blackpool last week. The Wirtz family were seemingly won over by what Liverpool had to offer, sanctioning a transfer to Merseyside.
Bayern's president Herbert Hainer was quoted by Abendzeitung stating: "[Director of sport] Max Eberl has informed me that Florian Wirtz is probably leaning towards Liverpool. I can't say how things will continue with Leverkusen."
Bayern Munich CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen addressed the club's failed pursuit of Wirtz and attempted to highlight the club's allure by mentioning their involvement in the prestigious Club World Cup. "Much more has been written than spoken," he stated.
FC Bayern is one of the absolute top clubs in Europe and the world. Our appeal among fans, but also among players, is enormous. The fact that not every player will end up with us is simply part of the package; it's the same for other top clubs.
"But everyone knows: with FC Bayern, you can win everything every year, you're involved in every competition - the upcoming Club World Cup is a good example of that.
"Just look at which clubs are represented there – and, most of all, which (clubs) aren't. The best European clubs are competing there - including FC Bayern. Our appeal, sporting ambitions, and economic power are well known to all top players around the world."
In contrast, ex-Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann attributes the Reds' success in signing Wirtz to their understated approach, which he believes left a positive impression on the player's family. "I think the Wirtz family was also impressed by how they (Liverpool) handled it," he shared with Bild. "Discreetly, quietly, all in the background."