Liverpool agree to €136.3m Wirtz transfer from Leverkusen

The recent agreement between Liverpool FC and Bayer Leverkusen for the transfer of Florian Wirtz, valued at €136.3 million, marks a significant milestone in modern football . This deal not only represents a record-breaking transfer fee within the Bundesliga but also positions Wirtz as one of the most expensive signings in Premier League history . The financial breakdown reveals an upfront payment of €117.5 million complemented by potential add-ons totaling €18.8 million, underscoring Liverpool's commitment to enhancing their squad with elite talent.

Wirtz will join from Bayer Leverkusen on a five-year contract. In exchange, Liverpool have agreed to pay the German club £100million ($135.9m) in guaranteed fees, with a potential £16m due in add-ons.

The deal, even without those add-ons, eclipses Liverpool’s previous transfer record by a distance. That record is generally seen as having been in place since January 2018, when they parted with £75m to buy Virgil van Dijk from Southampton.

In fact, the Van Dijk fee may already have been topped prior to this agreement. Darwin Nunez was signed from Benfica in June 2022 for an initial £64m that could rise to £85m. To the end of last December, according to the Portuguese side’s financial disclosures, Liverpool had paid a further €10m (around £8.5m) of a potential €25m in add-ons, so any more conditions being met in the last six months could mean Nunez’s transfer fee went past Van Dijk’s.

Nevertheless, personal terms and now a club-to-club agreement with Bayer Leverkusen have been sealed. Depending on who you believe, the package Liverpool have committed to is either €150m/£127m or €136m/£116m.

Wirtz’s primary position at Leverkusen was the No 10 role. That is a position that Arne Slot does field in his 4-2-3-1 formation, though Wirtz’s versatility allows him to operate anywhere across a forward line as and when required.

The move is a statement of intent from the reigning Premier League champions and has certainly impressed European football expert, Andy Brassell.

Wirtz’s ability to play anywhere across the front line would add an extra layer of versatility to Slot’s tactical setup, allowing him to rotate his attacking options during and between games without any decrease in quality. Whether dropping into pockets against deep blocks, pulling wide to evade his marker, or carrying the ball upfield single-handedly, Wirtz can do a bit of everything.

Wirtz, at just 22 years old, has garnered acclaim as one of Europe's most promising attacking midfielders . His decision to join Liverpool over other prestigious clubs such as Manchester City and Bayern Munich highlights the club's growing stature in international football . Furthermore, this acquisition aligns with Liverpool’s strategic vision to bolster its midfield options in pursuit of both domestic and European success. As such, this transfer could redefine competitive dynamics within both the Premier League and broader European landscape.

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Sara H

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