MUNICH, GERMANY - JUNE 04: Florian Wirtz of Germany looks dejected during the UEFA Nations League 2025 semifinal match between Germany and Portugal at Munich Football Arena on June 04, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Christina Pahnke - sampics/Corbis via Getty Images)
Liverpool remain in talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a deal for Florian Wirtz (Corbis via Getty)
Florian Wirtz wants to join Liverpool but his transfer from Bayer Leverkusen could take ‘a while’, according to Germany’s sporting director Rudi Voller.
Liverpool have been unable to reach an agreement with Leverkusen over a deal for the 22-year-old, who finished the season with 15 goals and 16 assists in all competitions.
The Premier League champions have seen their £109 million offer rejected, with Leverkusen holding out for a deal in excess of £120m.
Bayern Munich and Manchester City have both expressed a strong interest in signing Wirtz but Voller, who now works for Germany’s Football Association (DFB), claims the midfielder is keen on a move to Arne Slot’s side.
‘It’s no secret that he’d like to go to Liverpool. I know the clubs are negotiating with each other,’ Voller, who has had two stints as Leverkusen’s sporting director, told DAZN.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen v 1. FSV Mainz 05 - Bundesliga
Florian Wirtz wants to join Liverpool, according to Rudi Voller (Getty)
Voller added: ‘It’s often the case that it takes a while until an agreement is finally reached.
‘Of course, in the end, you have the feeling it will go through.
‘Florian Wirtz has proven that he is a very, very valuable player. Not only for Bayer Leverkusen but also for the national team. That’s why he costs a few euros more.’
Speaking to ZDF, former Arsenal and Germany defender Per Mertescker described Liverpool’s push to sign Wirtz as a ‘big deal’.
‘Everyone on the island is keen on one of Germany’s greatest talents,’ Mertescker said.
‘Liverpool are really gearing up again, and getting him is a big deal.’
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