Liverpool has made an improved offer for Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz. Worth a total of $153 million (£113 million), the hope is that a deal is nearing.
Bayern Munich was at one stage the favorite to snap Wirtz up— indeed, the expectation in Germany was that it was a foregone conclusion at one point — but Liverpool spotted an opportunity and stepped in. Manchester City was also keen but has long since dropped out of contention, moving on to Rayan Cherki instead.
Having already signed Jeremie Frimpong from Leverkusen, Liverpool is swiftly getting on with its summer business. Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez is also thought to be on the Reds' radar, while they are closing in on a move for highly-rated goalkeeper Armin Pecsi.
According to the German outlet BILD, Liverpool will be paying Wirtz a salary of up to $480k (£355k) per week, including bonuses, once the move goes through. The expectation at this point is that it will.
Given that the move could be for a British record fee, the salary that Wirtz could demand was always going to be substantial. He could play for Germany against France in the UEFA Nations League tomorrow.
Earlier this week, Koln's president Dr. Werner Wolf said the club was willing to "fight" to ensure it receives a portion of the transfer fee that is agreed for Wirtz, as happens in Germany for those who develop young players.
MUNICH, GERMANY - JUNE 4: Florian Wirtz of Germany celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Nations League 2025 semifinal match between Germany and Portugal at Munich Football Arena on June 4, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Marcel Engelbrecht - firo sportphoto/Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)
"Of course, we are looking into it. We know what we are entitled to and will fight for it," Wolf said on Radio Cologne. "We're looking at this with both eyes. We'll benefit from it. The higher the sum Liverpool is willing to pay, the better for us."
Meanwhile, Emile Heskey, the former Reds striker, expressed his delight at the signing of Wirtz. Speaking to Liverpool.com, he compared Wirtz to Philippe Coutinho.
"When you look at a player, in general, you gravitate to players who you have already seen wear the red shirt, and for me, he looks a bit like Coutinho — those pockets he can pick up and how he can turn," Heskey said.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Fanatics Official Sports Apparel — Liverpool
"He scores exciting goals — not just tap-ins — and that is what you want. It is fantastic for the club and for the supporters as well.
"He could play as a 10 or as a false nine, and we have seen teams do that before. Liverpool have got wingers who stay very high and wide, which is great as well.
"Someone like Wirtz can give you something different, but it is horses for courses as well. You might need someone to draw defenders out, and then you don't need a number nine who sits on the last defender."
Liverpool.com says: Wirtz would be an exceptional signing for Liverpool. Bringing in a player of that caliber is a real statement of intent and shows the pull of both the Reds and Arne Slot, who has swiftly established himself as one of the world's leading coaches.