Florian Wirtz
Image Credits: Getty Images
Fabrizio Romano has explained the reason why there appears to be a delay in the negotiations between Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen for the transfer of Florian Wirtz.
Liverpool’s summer transfer window has yet to officially open, but the club is already moving quickly to make new signings.
They have already announced the capture of Jermie Frimpong from Leverkusen and are close to signing Milos Kerkez.
Wirtz is also another player who is close to being announced as a Liverpool player. Having seen off strong competition from Bayern Munich and Manchester City, the Reds are confident they will get their man – and Leverkusen would rather a resolution is found for the 22-year-old sooner rather than later.
Leverkusen’s €150m (£126m) valuation has led to protracted negotiations, with Liverpool’s latest €130m (£109m) bid rejected, though both clubs remain optimistic of bridging the €20m gap through structured payments.
It’s understood the Reds are prepared to increase their bid to as high as £126m to complete the signing, and some reports claim Wirtz has already begun house-hunting in England.
Reports emerged on Wednesday that Wirtz talks could likely stretch into next week, although there is no danger of the deal collapsing at this time.
Amid ongoing negotiations between Leverkusen and Liverpool, football journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed why there appears to be a delay in getting the deal over the line.
According to the journalist, Liverpool and Leverkusen are close to reaching an agreement over the structure of the deal, with the final details being the only thing left for Wirtz to move to Liverpool.
According to Romano, both clubs are currently negotiating the crucial add-ons and bonuses in the deal, with clauses like Champions League qualifications, Premier League title win, and other variables set to be included in the total package.
“Liverpool and Leverkusen are still negotiating the deal structure and how to include and pay bonuses such as Champions League qualification, league victory, etc,” the journalist told DAZN.
“If the player wants to move to the club, you just have to wait.”
Romano also provided an update on Liverpool’s pursuit of Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth.
According to Romano, Liverpool have also agreed to personal terms with Kerkez and Wirtz, and the “general feeling is that both players will join Liverpool.”
“I am optimistic that both players will join Liverpool,” Romano said.
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