Florian Wirtz
Image Credits: Getty Images
More positive news about Florian Wirtz has come out of Germany this evening.
The 22-year-old is arguably the most-discussed player in the current transfer window, with Liverpool’s interest in his services constantly on the front pages of German newspapers.
It is easy to understand why Wirtz’s move is the talk of the town. The attacker is easily the best player in Germany, and Liverpool’s interest in him came somewhat out of the blue.
The Reds were not among the clubs touted as a possible destination for Wirtz a few weeks ago. The common feeling was that he would move to Bayern Munich or, at most, join Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid.
Manchester City were also seen as a possible destination were Wirtz to move to England.
But Liverpool moved for him in earnest, overtaking the rest and are working on a deal to bring him to Anfield this summer.
The Reds submitted their first official bid, exceeding €100 million (£84 million). However, Bayer Leverkusen rejected that offer.
They sent a second proposal, which includes both guaranteed fees and performance-related add-ons, though the exact structure of these payments still needs to be ironed out.
However, Leverkusen rejected that offer, remaining firm on their €150 million valuation for the 22-year-old Germany international.
Despite the setback, both clubs believe that a deal can be reached in the coming days as negotiations continue.
Reliable football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that Liverpool and Leverkusen are close to agreeing on a fee for Wirtz.
Speaking on DAZN, the journalist said, “Florian Wirtz is going to Liverpool. The deal is almost closed. They’re negotiating the last details.”
BILD has now corroborated Romano’s claim, adding that despite the current difference in their valuation, for Wirtz, Liverpool and Leverkusen are expected to strike a deal for the 22-year-old transfer.
The report adds that the Bundesliga club are holding on for up to €150 million to sanction the deal.
“Leverkusen aren’t yet comfortable with the transfer fee,” the report said.
“According to BILD, the “Reds” have offered a transfer fee of €130 million. Still too low for the Werkself. It’s believed the deal could go through for a sum of €140 to €150 million. It’s still a process of rapprochement. But: The deal will happen!”
“There’s really no reason to panic,” it concluded.
Meanwhile, Wednesday’s edition of BILD also reports that Florian Wirtz will earn between €20M-€22 and € 22 M per year at Liverpool.
Interestingly, the report asserts that the player could have earned even more than that sum had he chosen to go to Bayern Munich. But he has decided to take a slightly lesser salary to join Liverpool for sporting reasons.
Arne Slot was said to have received permission to speak to him in March, and it was the impression that the Liverpool manager left on him that convinced him to agree to the club’s approach.
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