Former Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller has confirmed Florian Wirtz wants to join Liverpool this summer, although he has suggested a deal may take a while.
Wirtz would appear to be edging closer and closer to a move to Anfield, having all but confirmed his intentions in recent days. The 22-year-old gave the game away when he hit back at claims he wanted Alexis Mac Allister’s No. 10 shirt, while he also gave a subtle nod when asked about a move to Merseyside after starring for Germany against Portugal in the UEFA Nations League.
Liverpool remains in discussions with Leverkusen as it tries to thrash out a deal, having already had two offers rejected so far.
All the signs though point to Wirtz becoming a Liverpool player this summer, especially after Manchester City pulled out of the race to sign him, while Bayern Munich looks to have admitted defeat and moved on to other targets.
There are varying reports on just how close the Reds to reaching an agreement, with some sensational claims that a medical has even already been booked. However, Voller believes it may still be a while before the move gets over the line.
Voller spent more than two decades in various roles at Leverkusen, and was the club’s sporting director when Wirtz was signed from FC Koln in 2020.
Florian Wirtz of Germany gestures during the UEFA Nations League 2025 semifinal match between Germany and Portugal at Munich Football Arena
Liverpool remains in discussions with Bayer Leverkusen for Florian Wirtz (Image: 2025 Maryam Majd)
The former forward still works closely with Wirtz, now as the German national team’s director, and he gave his thoughts on his potential move to Merseyside.
“It’s no secret that he’d like to go to Liverpool,” Voller told DAZN (via Sport1). “I know the clubs are negotiating with each other.
“[But with] transfers like this [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.”
Leverkusen is said to be holding out for around $170 million for Wirtz, with neither of Liverpool previous offers reaching that figure.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Fanatics Official Sports Apparel — Liverpool
The possibility of a player moving in the opposite direction has been touted in some corners, although it remains to be seen whether the Reds would be willing to part with one its current stars to sweeten the deal.
“Florian Wirtz has proven that he’s a very, very valuable player. Not just for Leverkusen, but also for the national team. That’s why he costs a few euros more,” Völler explained.
Liverpool.com says: Whether it gets done in the next few days or later in the summer, Liverpool can't come this far without getting a deal over the line for Wirtz. Just imagine the uproar if it doesn't go through.