Liverpool continue to hold talks with Bayer Leverkusen in an attempt to sign Florian Wirtz this summer.
Liverpool continue to hold talks with Bayer Leverkusen in an attempt to sign Florian Wirtz this summer.
Florian Wirtz has stirred up quite the transfer saga between Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen. Should the Reds be agreeing a deal for the German sensation's arrival, it appears as if it is going to require a British-record transfer sum of £118m to make it happen.
First commanding a price tag of £126m, Leverkusen are still holding out for higher than anything Liverpool have already offered though now it is believed they will compromise at several million less than their original demand. Landing Wirtz, widely regarded as a generational talent, would be a major show of power from the Premier League champions and could potentially be the kickstart of an attacking overhaul this summer.
Incomings and outgoings alike could alter the very face of a department that has plenty of lingering questions to be answered between now and 7pm on September 1, the close of the summer transfer window.
Incomings:
Getting Wirtz over the line is critical approaching the week three marker from the moment in which the Reds' challenge to Bayern Munich and Manchester City was first established. It is quite clearly the 22-year-old's preference to move to Anfield and both clubs are evidently showing willingness to make it happen.
Liverpool would be acquiring one of the world's best talents who could very well be the face of the club for the next decade. Leverkusen, meanwhile, get rid of the risk of losing out to a lesser fee in a year's time, or for free in 2027.
Afterwards the remaining issue in the attacking line is that of a No.9 or centre forward. Darwin Nunez's seven goals and Diogo Jota's nine in 2024/25 fell below the standards of what is expected at Liverpool, even if the English title was won.
The reaction has been doubt over the former's future rather than the latter, and since Arne Slot has not selected Nunez to start since before the March international break, it has long felt like a mutual parting of ways is closer than the horizon.
If the Uruguayan is sold, attention can turn to seeking his replacement. Plenty of names have been mentioned in passing rumours over the months, .
For Sporting CP his 97 goals in 102 outings make him the deadliest finisher in Europe over the past two seasons. He is thought to be available for £60m and vying for a move to the Premier League.
Outgoings:
As stated, Nunez would have to depart to free up the No.9 shirt and facilitate the arrival of Gyokeres.
Additionally, looking back at the attacking midfield options Liverpool will have if Wirtz arrives there will be too many competing for the same starting berth.
The German would seemingly take ownership of the No.10 role, freeing up Dominik Szoboszlai to move to become a No.8 but with the ability to cover the attacking midfield position as required. So too can Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones.
That would leave Harvey Elliott without a chance of making it in, and having just admitted with total honesty that he doesn't want to be 'wasting years' of his career, the 22-year-old could very well accept a move away following impending internal discussions. It seems the most likely course of action at this stage.
Also speaking about their futures recently were Luis Diaz and Federico Chiesa. Liverpool do not want to entertain the Colombian's exit having already rebuffed Barcelona's approach but in the Italian's case it is less clear cut as he has not played such a vital impact since arriving last summer.
For the sake of stability and the fact he is set to have a full pre-season with Slot's side this year, the hope would be that he remains a Liverpool player and shows improvement.
How the attack could look after four more transfers
No.10/Attacking midfield options: Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones.
Winger options: Mohamed Salah, Federico Chiesa, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo.
No.9/Centre forward options: Viktor Gyokeres, Diogo Jota.