Florian Wirtz of Leverkusen looks on during the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund
Liverpool are looking to close in on a deal to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz
Bayer Leverkusen raised eyebrows with a cryptic and rather odd social media post featuring their star player Florian Wirtz, as speculation over his transfer to Liverpool intensifies. The 22-year-old was the subject of a second, enhanced offer from the Reds on Friday, proposing a club-record fee surpassing £100million.
Liverpool are understood to have tabled up to €130m (£109M), nearing Leverkusen's asking price for Wirtz. Rumours have since been rife that Wirtz's switch to Anfield could be sealed shortly. German publication
Bild reports an "imminent" deal, suggesting it may be finalised within days, while the Telegraph claims there could be a swift conclusion to negotiations, citing Wirtz's eagerness to join Liverpool. As anticipation builds regarding Wirtz's almost certain move to Liverpool, Leverkusen's social media manoeuvres added to the drama on Saturday.
The 2023/24 German champions posted five photos of Wirtz with his Player of the Match awards in the Champions League this season, attaching only a face exhaling emoji to the otherwise wordless caption.
The ambiguous nature of the post has led many to interpret it as a sign of Leverkusen's disappointment and reluctant acceptance of the reality that they're poised to lose such a high-calibre talent.
The reference could also be related to the upcoming Champions League final on Saturday, possibly hinting at a touch of resentment that Leverkusen isn't participating in the grand event in Munich.
Xabi Alonso's team defeated finalists Inter Milan earlier in this season's tournament, with the Italian side now set to face Paris Saint-Germain.
Wirtz has bagged more Player of the Match awards in the competition this season than any other player, earning three in his first four matches and five throughout the eight league-phase games. Leverkusen secured sixth place in the league phase but were knocked out in the round of 16 after drawing rivals Bayern Munich.
Just over a week ago, it seemed likely that the German champions would be Wirtz's next destination, but a surprising twist has seen Liverpool emerge as the front-runners.
German reports suggest that Arne Slot persuaded the Bundesliga player of the season to join Liverpool following an in-depth tactical analysis, while Wirtz was uncertain about his role in Vincent Kompany's plans at Bayern due to Jamal Musiala, who plays in a similar position.
The Leverkusen star, who has earned 29 international caps, prefers to play as a no. 10, but is also comfortable as an attacking midfielder, forward, or even in wide positions.