Liverpool has reportedly submitted a second, improved offer for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz. The Reds are anticipated to finalize the signing of the German international, although it seems the clubs are still some distance apart in their valuation of this highly regarded young attacking talent.
According to Bild, Liverpool’s initial offer of £85 million ($115M) was turned down earlier this week, but the club has since put forth an enhanced bid. This latest offer is said to be around £100 million ($135M) with up to £12 million ($16M) in potential add-ons. Leverkusen’s asking price, however, is believed to be closer to £126 million ($170M), though there’s hope that it may decrease since the transfer is not to another Bundesliga club.
This information is supported by The Athletic, which reports that Liverpool has offered around €130 million (£109M/$147M). The report indicates that this amount is a “top-end fee” comprising both a guaranteed sum and additional performance-related bonuses.
Regardless of the negotiations, signing Wirtz is expected to break Liverpool’s previous transfer record set by Darwin Nunez. Interestingly, the Leverkusen star could ultimately serve as a long-term replacement for Nunez in the squad. Wirtz, named the Bundesliga player of the season ahead of Harry Kane, is versatile enough to play as an attacking midfielder, false nine, or striker.
Meanwhile, Suddeutsche Zeitung (SZ) reports that Wirtz’s concerns about his position in the Bayern squad alongside Jamal Musiala were significant factors in his decision to choose Liverpool over Bayern Munich. Arne Slot is also credited with persuading the player to join the Premier League champions by providing a detailed explanation of his tactical approach and how Wirtz would fit into it.
Leverkusen’s managing director, Simon Rolfes, has confirmed that Liverpool has a “concrete” interest in Wirtz, who is expected to join the Reds along with his current teammate, Jeremie Frimpong.There has been “more written than spoken” about Bayern’s interest in Wirtz, according to a separate statement from the club’s CEO, Jan-Christian Dreesen.
“Bayern is one of the absolute top clubs in Europe and the world; our appeal among fans and players is massive,” he told TZ. “However, it’s simply part of our culture that not everyone ends up with us.” He added, “It’s the same for other top clubs, and it doesn’t alter the fact that everyone knows if you’re with FC Bayern, you can win everything every year and compete in every tournament – the upcoming Club World Cup is a perfect example.”
