Liverpool looks to be closing in on Florian Wirtz, although it seems it might not quite be a done deal yet.
Reports on Tuesday suggested that an agreement had been reached with Bayer Leverkusen for a record $171 million transfer, with a medical set to take place within the coming days as the Reds finally got their man.
However, just moments after those reports, it emerged that a deal may not be quite as far along as had been claimed, with Liverpool and Leverkusen still locked in talks as they try to reach an agreement over Wirtz’s move to Anfield.
According to The Athletic, Liverpool is still speaking daily with Leverkusen, with talks in their final stages.
What’s more, contrary to recent reports, it’s claimed that the Reds’ second offer last week - worth around $153 million in total - was not rejected, with talks continuing in order to settle on a package suitable for both sides.
Liverpool is also said to have no intention of bidding as high as the $171M reported on Tuesday by the likes of Fabrizio Romano, while a medical is yet to be arranged.
Alex Grimaldo of Bayer Leverkusen and Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen celebrates
Liverpool remains in talks with Bayer Leverkusen for Florian Wirtz (Image: Marcel Engelbrecht - firo sportphoto/Getty Images)
The Reds’ sporting director, Richard Hughes, and Leverkusen’s managing director of sport, Simon Rolfes, are now thought to be focusing their talks on payment terms, as well as any potential add-ons.
The delay is explained by Leverkusen not needing to offload, while Liverpool wants to work within its own parameters, with both parties not leaving any stone unturned during discussions.
However, it’s claimed that an ‘amicable outcome’ should be reached which results in Wirtz making the move to Anfield.
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The summer transfer window has now temporarily closed, meaning that any deal would not be official until it reopens on June 16.
Liverpool though looks set to continue working on a deal for Wirtz in the coming days, while more business is expected, with Milos Kerkez looking set to be the club’s next target.
Liverpool.com says: Well, it might not be as close as it seemed a few hours ago, but everything still seems to be on track with Wirtz.
Thankfully, there doesn’t seem to be any suggestions of the deal falling through anywhere, so it should just be a matter of time before Wirtz is confirmed as a Liverpool player - just not as quickly as some have suggested.