Florian Wirtz ’s move to Liverpool will be completed “imminently”, according to reports in Germany.
The Reds reportedly tabled a second, improved bid for the player on Friday, in an offer which could amount to €130 million ($148M/£109M). That would be a record-breaking transfer for Liverpool, but that outlandish fee is considered appropriate for a player of such high calibre and quality.
Bayern Munich were the favorites to sign Wirtz early last week - that was even the general consensus at Liverpool - but that view has switched, with the 22-year-old expected to move to Anfield.
German outlet Bild, which first reported Liverpool’s second bid, now claims it will be “only a matter of days before the transfer is formally completed”, with a contract agreed between the club and Wirtz that will run until 2030.
It comes as Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann revealed Wirtz called him to ask for advice on his future, but the former Bayern Munich boss said he didn’t try to influence his star talent’s next move.
“He's one of the best players in the world, we know that. But he's still young, of course, and his performance needs to be consistent. And it's important that he has a club where he also plays an important sporting role,” Nagelsmann commented.
Meanwhile, the Telegraph states Liverpool is “expected” to complete the transfer, although the second offer submitted falls short of Bayer Leverkusen’s asking price. The Bundesliga side may be willing to drop its expectations as it is not selling to a direct rival.
Florian Wirtz
Florian Wirtz could be Liverpool's second transfer of the summer. (Image: 2025 Getty Images)
The report adds there is a “strong sense” that the Premier League champions will complete the deal, having fought off competition from Bayern and Manchester City. Some of the add-ons as part of the transfer could include Liverpool winning the Premier League or Champions League.
The Daily Mail also claims a deal is “close”, with Wirtz making “it clear he wants to move to Anfield”.
The German international, who is expected to feature this weekend in the Nations League semi-final against Portugal, was voted Bundesliga Player of the Season earlier this week. It’s the second year in a row he has collected the prize.
Wirtz prefers to operate as a no.10, perhaps suggesting that Dominik Szoboszlai will drop into a deeper midfield role next season, but is also capable of playing out wide, as a false nine and a traditional striker.
He could also link up with former teammate Jeremie Frimpong at Anfield after his move to Liverpool was confirmed on Friday. The defender joins for a fee of around £29.5M ($39.7M) and has signed a five-year deal.