Liverpool’s chase for Florian Wirtz has hit another speed bump. Bayer Leverkusen have turned down a third offer from the Premier League champions, despite the numbers creeping close to a British transfer record.
The Reds have been pushing hard to get Wirtz in red before preseason. Their latest bid was reportedly worth up to £113 million — £100 million guaranteed and £13 million in add-ons. But Leverkusen aren’t biting just yet.
According to Paul Joyce of The Times, “Leverkusen are still looking to squeeze a bigger fee from Liverpool.” The Bundesliga side are standing firm and are hoping Liverpool blinks first.
There’s no panic yet, though. All signs point to a deal still being very likely. Wirtz is said to have chosen Liverpool as his next club, and the two sides are now haggling over the fine print.
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What’s stopping Leverkusen from accepting Florian Wirtz transfer?
Lewis Steele of The Mail added there’s “confidence an agreement is very close.” The German club reportedly want around £118 million, meaning the two sides are only about £5 million apart.
In transfer terms, that’s pocket change — unless you’re playing Monopoly.
So far, there’s no medical planned for Wirtz. That won’t happen until both clubs shake hands on the fee. Still, insiders believe Liverpool will make another offer soon.
Wirtz, just 22, has become one of Europe’s most exciting midfielders. He was recently named Germany’s Players’ Player of the Season for the second straight year. With 122 goal contributions in 197 games, his stats speak louder than most headlines.
Liverpool fans know what it feels like to wait — and they might not have to wait much longer. But for now, the ball’s in Leverkusen’s court, and they’re playing hard to get.
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