A fresh update has now emerged regarding Liverpool’s continued pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, courtesy of Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.
The 22-year-old is one of the Reds’ most eye-catching transfer targets in years, considering he is among the most talented attacking players in Europe.
Liverpool will need to smash their transfer record to sign Wirtz, and have been rebuffed in their efforts to snap him up for £113m, with Leverkusen still holding firm.
That said, there is still a feeling that the deal will be completed as soon as this week, with Plettenberg telling Sky Sports News on-air on Sunday: “I expect the medical to take place in the next few days.”
On X, the journalist has provided a little more depth, saying: “Next week, things could move very quickly for Liverpool/Wirtz. A medical is possible. A full agreement is very close.”
So close that Liverpool fans can taste it
The significance of Liverpool signing Wirtz this summer cannot be downplayed, given his status as a world-class footballer and the fact that the Reds have been pipped by other clubs to such talents in the past.
He has the potential to be an unbelievable addition to Arne Slot’s squad, combining elite technical quality and an admirable work ethic, being hailed by Barcelona manager Hansi Flick:
“Florian is just a huge asset with his care-free nature. He’s simply an outstanding technician, loves to play, is very creative, has a good shot, runs hard and is quick. He’s the full package.”
Wirtz can help Liverpool reach another level next season and beyond, most likely taking up a No.10 role and providing more guile and end product than Dominik Szoboszlai there, following 21 goals and 23 assists in the Bundesliga over the past two seasons.
He is also capable of taking up a left-sided berth and roaming inside, and the hope is that he can enjoy a similar level of influence to the likes of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson when they moved to Anfield.
It’s now a case of getting the deal over the line and allowing Liverpool fans to celebrate one of their most exciting pieces of business in many years.