TBR Football can exclusively reveal that Liverpool have learned that they will have to set a British transfer record to sign Florian Wirtz.
Liverpool bid £109 million to sign Wirtz, who remains their priority target in the summer transfer window.
However, TBR Football understands that Bayer Leverkusen have turned down Liverpool’s offer.
Considering Arne Slot has green-lighted Wirtz’s acquisition, he would be desperate for the deal to go through.
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Liverpool ready to launch £118 million bid to sign Florian Wirtz
Sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey that Liverpool’s Fenway Sports Group (FSG) ownership have approved of them making a British record bid to sign Florian Wirtz.
While Liverpool expected to wrap up Wirtz’s signing earlier, they are now prepared to launch a staggering £118 million bid to sign the German international — a fee which would surpass the £115 million Chelsea paid to sign Moises Caicedo in 2023.
On Saturday, the Premier League champions submitted a £109 million bid to secure the 21-year-old’s services — which included an initial fee of £94 million plus £15 million in add-ons.
However, as talks have continued between Bayer Leverkusen and Liverpool, the Reds have been made aware by the Bundesliga side that their valuation is £126.6 million for Wirtz — who registered 16 goals and 15 assists in 45 appearances last season.
FLORIAN WIRTZ STATS LAST SEASON
APPEARANCES 45
GOALS 16
ASSISTS 15
Wirtz is keen to join Liverpool but ultimately, the decision to sell him lies in Leverkusen’s hands.
When Liverpool will next bid to sign Wirtz
Currently, Wirtz is on holiday and the youngster will be hoping that his future will be finalised soon.
TBR Football understands that Liverpool are ready to submit their next offer to sign Wirtz in the coming days.
Whether Bayer Leverkusen say yes remains to be seen as they are playing hardball when it comes to selling the jewel in their crown.