Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz is edging closer to completing a sensational transfer to Liverpool, in what would be one of the biggest moves of the summer.
Liverpool were quick to sign Jeremie Frimpong, making a fantastic start to the summer transfer window.
And while they have been actively working on signing Milos Kerkez and Wirtz, the deals have not been as straightforward as the Frimpong one.
The club are in advanced negotiations for the left-back but are yet to reach a full agreement. Talks are progressing, though, with Liverpool confident that they will sign Kerkez.
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
As for the German, the Reds have already seen two bids rejected for Wirtz. Leverkusen are holding firm, demanding a record-breaking fee. But there’s now real momentum behind the deal.
When Florian Wirtz will make his debut for Liverpool
TBR Football reported that Liverpool are closing in on a deal to sign Wirtz, as the talks between the two clubs head in the ‘right direction’.
The structure of the deal is expected to be an initial £100 million, with a further £13 million in add-ons and bonuses, bringing the total package close to Leverkusen’s £126 million (€150m) valuation.
As per TBR Football sources, Wirtz is expected to arrive at Anfield on Monday to finalise his transfer with personal terms already agreed in principle.
And as per the latest from BILD journalist Axel Hesse, the player is expected to make his debut for Liverpool against Preston North End on the 13th of July before travelling with the team to tour Asia for the pre-season.
How Liverpool could line up with Florian Wirtz
The arrival of Wirtz is unlikely to have a major impact on the roles of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, who remain key players for Arne Slot.
But how the Reds will line up with Wirtz in the team could eventually depend on their plans for a new number nine.
However, with the current squad, they could possibly use Wirtz as a false number nine, giving him a free role to play, one similar to the role Roberto Firmino used to play.
They could line up a 4-1-2-3, with Ryan Gravenberch playing the defensive midfield role that he did so well this season. The two behind the front three could be Mac Allister and Szoboszlai with Salah and Gakpo on either wing and Wirtz playing as the false 9.
Liverpool predicted XI with Wirtz: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo