Liverpool is continuing its pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, after the Germany international decided that he wants to move to Anfield.
Wirtz's desire to move to Liverpool over Bayern Munich, a club which has historically hoovered up all the best German talent, is a sign of just how appealing the Reds are to join at the moment. The 22-year-old has already clashed with Premier League rivals Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes while playing for Germany in the Nations League, and a former Bayer Leverkusen chief says he already knows the player's future.
Here's a roundup of the latest news regarding Wirtz's future...
Wirtz only has eyes for Liverpool
Revered transfer guru David Ornstein gave a promising update on the latest The Athletic FC Podcast, saying that the player "only has eyes for Liverpool."
"Where things are now is that this is progressing in the right direction," Ornstein said. "The talks are ongoing, I think they’re now onto the stage of potential add-ons, the make-up of the deal, the bonuses, and how they would be achieved.
Wirtz scored in Germany's Nations League defeat by Portugal
Wirtz scored in Germany's Nations League defeat by Portugal (Image: 2025 Crystal Pix/MB Media)
"So, it’s clearly at an advanced stage, but from what I hear, it’s not quite at the finish line yet. There is more work to be done. But for Liverpool and their supporters, there’s reason to be optimistic. I do think they’re going to get this deal done.
"Not only because they’re pushing so hard in the club-to-club negotiations, but also the desire of the player. He has eyes only for Liverpool. I do feel we’re getting towards a conclusion, and every indication is that Florian Wirtz is going to become a Liverpool player."
Optimism deal will be done ASAP
There are two transfer windows this summer: one which opened on June 1 and June 10 — which was created so that teams participating in the Club World Cup could sign new players ahead of the tournament starting — and another, which opens on June 16 and closes on September 1.
Liverpool journalist David Lynch said that the club is confident of getting the deal done before the first window closes next Tuesday, telling Sports Mole there is "big optimism" over a deal.
What next after Wirtz?
The BBC reports that Liverpool has stepped up its pursuit of Milos Kerkez over the last couple of days, with Arne Slot targeting a new first-choice left-back following the acquisition of Jeremie Frimpong on the opposite side of the pitch.
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Kerkez emerged as one of the best left-backs in the Premier League over the course of the season, and his prospective arrival would almost certainly lead to either Kostas Tsimikas or Andy Robertson leaving the club.
A new center-back and a new striker could also be targeted, dependent on outgoings.
Darwin Nunez is almost certain to leave after three underwhelming years at the club, while Caoimhin Kelleher's move to Brentford was confirmed earlier this week.
One player who seemingly won't be leaving, though, is Luis Diaz, after the club rejected an approach from Barcelona for the Colombian.