In a blockbuster move, Premier League champions Liverpool have secured the signature of German attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for a club-record £116 million, as announced yesterday.
The 22-year-old’s transfer fee includes a guaranteed £100 million, with an additional £16 million in performance-related add-ons, potentially making it a British record if Liverpool achieve sustained success.
The deal surpasses the previous British record for an initial fee, set by Chelsea’s £107 million acquisition of Enzo Fernandez from Benfica in 2023. It also eclipses Chelsea’s £100 million signing of Moises Caicedo from Brighton, which could rise to £115 million.
For Liverpool, the fee shatters their previous transfer record, set when they signed Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez from Benfica for an initial £64 million, potentially rising to £85 million, and the £75 million paid for centre-back Virgil van Dijk from Southampton in 2018.
Wirtz, a highly sought-after talent, attracted interest from Manchester City, who later withdrew due to the deal’s high costs, and Bayern Munich, who were also linked. However, the young star reportedly made it clear that Anfield was his preferred destination. Liverpool’s negotiations proved astute, securing Wirtz for less than Leverkusen’s initial £126 million valuation.
The signing is a statement of intent from Liverpool, who aim to maintain their dominance in the Premier League and compete on all fronts. Wirtz’s creativity, vision, and goal-scoring ability are expected to bolster an already formidable attacking unit.
Fans are buzzing with excitement as the German international prepares to don the famous red jersey, with hopes high that he will help deliver more silverware to Merseyside.
The transfer is subject to final formalities, including a medical, but Liverpool’s record-breaking move has already sent shockwaves through European football.