Wirtz

Liverpool delivered a huge statement of intent after winning the Premier League title by signing Germany star Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.

The transfer fee could climb to 116 million pounds ($156m), which would make the 22-year-old Wirtz the most expensive player in the history of British football.

“I feel very happy and very proud,” Wirtz told the official Liverpool website on Friday. “Finally, it’s done, and I was waiting for a long time.

“I’m really excited to have a new adventure in front of me. This was also a big point of my thoughts: That I want to have something completely new, to go out of the Bundesliga and to join the Premier League.

“I will see how I can perform there. I hope I can do my best. I spoke also with some players who played there, and they told me that it’s perfect for me and every pitch is perfect, you can enjoy every game. I’m really looking forward to playing my first game.”

Liverpool, determined to keep moving forward despite securing a record-tying 20th English top-flight title, splashed out a club record to bring in not only one of the best players from Germany, but one of the top youngsters in the world.

Wirtz has been a key first-team player for Leverkusen since he was 17. He was the outstanding attacking player in the team that won the Bundesliga and German Cup in 2023-24 without losing a game, and is a regular in Germany’s national team.

It is why Liverpool was ready to pay a guaranteed 100 million pounds ($134.4m), plus 16 million pounds ($21.5m) in potential add-ons. Wirtz had two years left on his contract, giving Leverkusen leverage in negotiations.

The Premier League record for an initial fee was set when Chelsea signed Enzo Fernandez from Benfica for 106.7 million pounds ($131.4m at the time) in 2023, before the London club agreed to pay up to 115 million pounds ($146m at the time) for midfielder Moises Caicedo from Brighton later that year.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot arrived last summer and signed just one outfield player — forward Federico Chiesa — for the 2024-25 season.

Chiesa barely played and the Reds won the league by 10 points, after which Slot and some of his players — including Virgil van Dijk — spoke about there being big plans for this transfer window.

Having already signed right-wing back Jeremie Frimpong from Leverkusen for a reported 35 to 40 million euros ($39.7 million to $45.4 million), Liverpool has returned to the German club to take Wirtz, who rejected an opportunity to join Bayern Munich — a Bundesliga rival which has long pursued him.

One obstacle to that move was the size of the fee Leverkusen wanted. Another was concern over how Wirtz might fit into the same lineup as Jamal Musiala, Germany’s other standout young attacking midfielder.

Losing Wirtz leaves Leverkusen and its new coach, Erik ten Hag with an even bigger rebuild following the departure of Xabi Alonso for Real Madrid.

Just after his 17th birthday, Wirtz became the youngest player in Leverkusen’s history when he made his debut against Werder Bremen in May 2020, in an empty stadium at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A month later, he was the youngest player to score in Bundesliga history, though that record has since been toppled.

Wirtz’s versatile attacking midfield play was a vital ingredient in Alonso transforming Leverkusen into a team that could win the Bundesliga and German Cup without losing a game.

He and Alonso stayed for another sometimes-disappointing season, which ended with second place to Bayern in the league and a loss to Bayern in the Champions League round of 16.

Wirtz showed he can deal with adversity when a cruciate ligament tear in his knee ruled him out for almost all of 2022, including Alonso’s first games as coach, before he returned to power Leverkusen to its league and cup double in 2023-24.

Wirtz has become a vital player for the German national team with 29 caps. He played all five of its matches at Euro 2024 on home soil.

He has also had to contend with hostility from fans of his boyhood club Cologne, which he left for nearby Leverkusen at 16. Liverpool and Bayern were reportedly interested then, too.

Cologne claimed that deal broke an agreement between the clubs not to pursue each other’s youth players. Leverkusen argued Wirtz was so talented that he counted as a first-team player despite his age.

Cologne and Leverkusen are barely 10 kilometres (six miles) apart, so going to Liverpool will be the first time that Wirtz has moved away from his roots.

His parents, Hans Wirtz and Karin Gross, have played a big role in his career — they were also his agents until last year — and he is close to his older sister Juliane, a professional player for Werder Bremen in the women’s Bundesliga.

Wirtz’s decision to turn down Bayern and the Bundesliga for Liverpool has raised some eyebrows in Germany.

“I wouldn’t have thought Florian would make this switch so early,” former Germany great Lothar Matthaus told broadcaster n-tv last month. “But he wants to get out of his comfort zone.”

Wirtz seems likely to slot in as the No. 10 at Liverpool, a more creative solution in that role compared with the hard-running Dominik Szoboszlai.

Whether Slot also now pushes for a new striker as an upgrade to current options Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez remains to be seen.

Szoboszlai could drop back into one of the two deeper midfield positions, competing with Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones.

Wirtz made his debut for Leverkusen at the age of 17, scoring 57 goals in 197 games for the club, and helped them win the Bundesliga for the first time in 2024.

He has scored seven goals in 31 appearances for Germany since making his international debut in 2021.

Wirtz is set to become the second player Liverpool have bought from Bayer Leverkusen this summer, with right full-back Jeremie Frimpong having arrived in a £34m deal.

The Reds have also made a move for Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, with talks taking place about a deal of between £45m-£50m.

Liverpool, having won the 2024-25 Premier League title in manager Arne Slot’s first season, have sought to bolster their squad – and the level of their outlay is believed to have been helped by limiting their spending in previous transfer windows.

Last summer, they only added Italy winger Federico Chiesa, bought for £12.5m from Juventus, while Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was signed from Valencia in a £29m deal which will involve him joining before the start of next season.

In terms of departures, Liverpool have sold Republic of Ireland keeper Caoimhin Kelleher to Brentford for an initial £12.5m, which could rise to £18m.

They have also lost England right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has joined Real Madrid.

Sources at Liverpool have indicated Real paid the Reds 10m euros (£8.4m) to release Alexander-Arnold early from his contract, which was scheduled to end on 30 June, so he could play at this month’s Club World Cup, although sources at the Spanish club have suggested they paid less than that.

Manchester United expected to open talks to sign Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, Liverpool agree Florian Wirtz contract, but bid rejected by Bayer Leverkusen and Chelsea considering move for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.

Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo wants to join Manchester United, who are now set to open talks to sign the 25-year-old Cameroon international. (Athletic – subscription required), external

Inter Milan are hoping to sign Manchester United and Denmark forward Rasmus Hojlund, 22, on loan this summer. (Gazzetta dello Sport – in Italian), external

Manchester United are also waiting for a decision from Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes about whether he wants to stay at the club or leave, with Saudi Arabia club Al-Hilal interested in the 30-year-old. (Sky Sports), external

Crystal Palace’s French forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, 27, is also on Manchester United’s striker shortlist, but they may face competition from Juventus and AC Milan. (Teamtalk), external

Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, is expected to sign a new contract at Arsenal this summer, with the Gunners keen to ward off rumoured interest in the England defender from Real Madrid. (Mail), external

Liverpool have agreed a contract with Germany midfielder Florian Wirtz until 2030, but have yet to agree a fee for the 22-year-old, with Bayer Leverkusen rejecting a 130m euros (£110m) offer from the Reds as they hold out for 150m euros (£127m). (Bild – in German), external

Barcelona have started initial talks with Liverpool winger Luis Diaz, 28, with interest from Saudi Arabia for the Colombian. (Florian Plettenberg), external

Chelsea are considering a move for Everton and England centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, 22, while Tottenham could rival the Blues for his signature this summer. (Teamtalk), external

English midfielder Jobe Bellingham has chosen to join his brother Jude’s former club Borussia Dortmund instead of Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig and the German club will start talks with Sunderland to sign the 19-year-old. (Bild – in German), external

Chelsea are also weighing up a move for Borussia Dortmund’s 20-year-old English winger Jamie Gittens, who could cost about £50m. (Guardian), external

Manchester City are close to agreeing a deal for AC Milan and Netherlands midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, 26, in time for the Fifa Club World Cup which starts on 14 June in the United States. (Football Italia), external

Everton, Manchester United and West Ham could make a move for Serbia striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, with Al-Hilal prepared to offload the 30-year-old. (Talksport), external

Brighton are keeping tabs on the progress of Sheffield United midfielder Ollie Arblaster, 21, as he continues his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury. (Teamtalk, external)

Former Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere, 33, is the frontrunner to become the manager of League One Plymouth Argyle. (Sun), external

Barcelona want to sign Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, Liverpool are ready to submit a bid for Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez, while Everton eye Brighton’s Matt O’Riley.

Barcelona have opened talks with Arsenal and Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, 31, over a free transfer when his contract expires in June. (Sun), external

Liverpool are preparing to make a formal bid for Bournemouth’s Hungary left-back Milos Kerkez, 21, who has already agreed to the move and is valued by the Cherries at more than £40m. (GiveMeSport), external

Liverpool have failed with two offers for Bayer Leverkusen’s German playmaker Florian Wirtz, 22, and may have to offer England Under-21 pair Harvey Elliott, 22, and Jarell Quansah, 22, in part-exchange. (Kicker via Mirror), external

Ipswich and England Under-21 striker Liam Delap, 22, has completed the first part of his medical over a £30m move to Chelsea. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Everton are interested in Brighton midfielder Matt O’Riley, 24, but are unsure if the Seagulls will sell the Denmark international (Sky Sports), external

Former Napoli, Chelsea and Juventus boss Maurizio Sarri, 66, is close to returning for a second spell as Lazio head coach. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Bayer Leverkusen have agreed a fee worth 10m euros (£8.43m) to sign 31-year-old Netherlands goalkeeper Mark Flekken from Brentford. (Sky Germany), external

Brentford have agreed an initial £12.5m deal, rising to £18m, with Liverpool for Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, 26, to replace Flekken. (Sky Sports), external

Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi, 49, will make a decision by Wednesday at the latest on whether to accept an offer to become Al-Hilal boss in time to lead the Saudi Pro League side at this month’s Fifa Club World Cup. (Rudy Galetti), external

Barcelona sporting director Deco said they are not looking for a new striker after links with Sporting’s Sweden forward Viktor Gyokeres, 26, who is also being tracked by both Arsenal and Manchester United. (A Bola via Mirror), external

Germany goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, 33, says he is “not worried” about his position at Barcelona, who have been linked with Espanyol’s Spain stopper Joan Garcia, 24. (Forbes), external

FLORIAN WIRTZ reportedly chose Liverpool over Bayern Munich after being given an irresistible promise by Arne Slot.

The highly-rated German star was courted by both clubs but in the end the guarantee of the No10 role tipped the scales in the Reds’ favour.

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According to Caughtoffside, Wirtz revealed that the decision was ultimately made after Slot assured him he would be THE playmaker in his Liverpool team.

While Bayern offered him the prospect of competing in their world-class side, the path to regular first-team football was far from clear.

Jamal Musiala’s rapid rise at the Allianz Arena and the presence of more established players such as Joshua Kimmich meant that Wirtz would have had to fight for his place in the midfield.

But at Liverpool, it is a different story – he would be the main man at Anfield.

The creative hub of the team, controlling the game from midfield and leading Liverpool’s attack.

Slot promised Wirtz full control of the No10 role, a position that would be his alone.

This clear-cut offer of a starring role was a far cry from the uncertainty Bayern offered.

In the end Wirtz made his choice opting for the chance to be Liverpool’s attacking leader.

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The fact that Liverpool have won the Premier League in Slot’s first season is also contributing factor as it has highlighted the manager’s ability to bring the best out of young players.

The Dutch manager has been able to get the best out of both old and new faces with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk enjoying stellar campaign as well as Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo

How close are Liverpool to a deal?

The Premier League champions have submitted a second improved bid for the Germany midfielder.

Liverpool’s latest offer for the 22-year-old is about £109m, including add-ons.

Wirtz is a key target for the Merseyside club and has made his wishes clear about wanting to join Liverpool before next season.

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Al-Nassr want to sign Liverpool’s Luis Diaz, Bayern Munich remain confident of signing Florian Wirtz, Chelsea could turn Jadon Sancho’s loan move from Manchester United into a permanent deal.

Liverpool’s Luis Diaz, 28, is wanted by Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, who are monitoring the Colombia winger’s contract situation at Anfield. (Telegraph – subscription required), external

Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich are still confident of persuading Bayer Leverkusen attacker Florian Wirtz, 22, to join them this summer – and not Liverpool. (SZ, in German), external

Chelsea have been impressed by Jadon Sancho’s recent performances and could trigger their £25m obligation to buy clause with Manchester United to sign the 25-year-old English winger on a permanent deal. (i Sport), external

Brentford are in talks with Liverpool over a deal to sign 26-year-old Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. (Sky Germany), external

Liverpool want more than £20m for Kelleher. (Athletic – subscription required), external

Napoli are closing in on agreeing personal terms with Lille’s 25-year-old Canada forward Jonathan David, who has also been contacted by Juventus. (Sky Sports), external

Chelsea have joined Juventus in making a formal enquiry with Sporting Lisbon over the availability of 26-year-old Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres, who is also wanted by Arsenal. (Record – in Portuguese), external

Juventus are interested in signing Real Madrid’s 18-year-old Brazil forward Endrick on loan. (Calciomercato – in Italian), external

Former Juve manager Massimiliano Allegri is set for a return to AC Milan as manager. The 57-year-old spent four years at the San Siro between 2010 and 2014. (Calciomercato), external

Ipswich Town have offered Chelsea’s 19-year-old Spanish forward Marc Guiu a loan deal in the Championship next season. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Al Hilal set to offer £100m for Bruno Fernandes from Manchester United, Florian Wirtz would prefer to join Liverpool over Bayern Munich, while Emiliano Martinez looks set to leave Aston Villa.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes will be given a deadline of next week to decide if he wants to leave the club, with Al Hilal set to offer around £100m for the Portugal international, 30, who would earn around £65m a season in Saudi Arabia. (Mail), external

Bayern Munich could launch a blockbuster move for Fernandes although the transfer fee United would want may prove to be a stumbling block. (Teamtalk), external

Argentina winger Alejandro Garnacho, 20, is increasingly likely to leave Manchester United this summer after becoming disillusioned at his role under head coach Ruben Amorim. (ESPN), external

Garnacho’s representatives are set to hold talks with Manchester United to discuss the Argentine’s future after he was dropped for the Europa League final loss to Tottenham. (Telegraph – subscription required), external

Manchester United also look set to sell England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, 20, in a bid to ease financial pressure on the club. (Sun), external

Germany midfielder Florian Wirtz, 22, would prefer to move to Liverpool instead of Bayern Munich if he leaves Bayer Leverkusen this summer. (Athletic – subscription required), external

Bayern Munich believe Brighton and Japan winger Kaoru Mitoma, 28, is a viable alternative to Wirtz. (Sky Germany), external

Everton have held talks with Ipswich and England Under-21 forward Liam Delap, 22, over a summer move and are also interested in Liverpool and Scotland winger Ben Doak, 19. (Guardian), external

Real Madrid view Liverpool and Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister as the natural successor to Croatia international Luka Modric, 39, who is leaving the Bernabeu this summer. (Fichajes in Spanish), external

RB Leipzig have been in contact with Arsenal’s newly appointed sporting director Andrea Berta about a potential deal to sell 21-year-old Slovenia striker Benjamin Sesko. (Sky Sports Germany – in German), external

Wolves and Brazil forward Matheus Cunha, 25, is still happy to join Manchester United this summer despite their failure to qualify for European football next season. (Sky Sports), external

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, 32 is set to leave the club with Saudi Pro League teams and Manchester United interested in the Argentina international. (Teamtalk), external

Aston Villa, West Ham and Leeds are eyeing a move for Southampton and Portugal Under-21 midfielder Matheus Fernandes, 20. (Football Insider), external

Manchester City hold a meeting with Florian Wirtz, Liverpool have also made contact with the Bayer Leverkusen forward, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo is the subject of Premier League interest.

Manchester City have met with Bayer Leverkusen forward Florian Wirtz, 22, over a potential summer move for the German. (Bild, external)

However, Liverpool have also made contact with Wirtz to express interest in signing the playmaker this summer. (Athletic – subscription required, external)

Premier League clubs including Manchester City and Arsenal are circling Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, 24, amid reports of the Brazilian falling out with club staff. (AS – in Spanish, external)

Real Madrid are willing to pay the £50m release clause to sign Spanish central defender Dean Huijsen, 20, from Bournemouth. (Sky Sports, external)

Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee, 23, is a summer transfer target for Inter Milan after the Dutchman’s disappointing campaign. (Corriere dello Sport – in Italian, external)

Liverpool will not accept an £850,000 fee from Real Madrid to allow defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, 26, to make an early move to the Spanish club. (Sun, external)

Newcastle have moved ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign English defender Marc Guehi, 24, from Crystal Palace. (Teamtalk, external)

Bayern Munich have agreed a fee with Bayer Leverkusen to sign Germany centre-back Jonathan Tah, 29. (Fabrizio Romano, external)

Barcelona are keen to rival Arsenal in moving for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, 24. (AS – in Spanish, external)

Barcelona are willing to offload up to eight first-team players this summer in order to finance transfers and new contracts. (Mirror, external)

Barca want to sign a central defender, a full-back and a winger as cover for 17-year-old Spain star Lamine Yamal. (Espn), external

RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons is ready to leave the club this summer, despite the 22-year-old Netherlands midfielder only signing a permanent deal in January. (Fabrizio Romano, external)

Bristol City want to keep striker Nahki Wells, 34, next season after failing to reach the Premier League via the Championship play-offs. (Sky Sports, external)