- Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz is one of the most sought-after players in the world
- The 22-year-old has been expected to move to Bayern Munich this summer
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Liverpool have moved a step closer to completing a sensational transfer for German superstar Florian Wirtz, as Bayern Munich concede the playmaker will not be joining them this summer, a report has claimed.
The 22-year-old has been at the centre of a tussle between the European giants, with initial reports indicating he favoured a move to the Bundesliga champions.
Wirtz, who was named Bundesliga player of the year during Bayer Leverkusen’s incredible title-winning 2023-24 campaign, is reportedly believed to now favour a move to Anfield.
However, according to The Athletic, a transfer is still far from complete, with the Reds still needing to agree a deal with Leverkusen for the star, who would likely command a British transfer fee to depart the club.
The report also claims that Wirtz has already visited the north west of England to look for houses to live in, should he join the newly crowned Premier League champions.
The attacking midfielder is one of the most sought-after forwards in world football and had been identified as Kevin de Bruyne’s successor at Manchester City before the Cityzens pulled out of the race for his signature earlier this month.
Liverpool appear to have moved a step closer to completing the signing of Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz
Arne Slot’s side will likely need to pay a British transfer record fee to bring the 22-year-old to Anfield. Pictured: Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes (left) and head coach Slot (right)
Despite winning the Premier League, the Reds are set for a sizeable squad overhaul this summer
City chiefs had held talks with Wirtz’s camp but withdrew from the running, citing the astronomical fee required to sign him.
The club claimed that the deal to land Wirtz would be the largest in the club’s history and potentially topping £250million with wages and bonuses.
Leverkusen are losing Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool, with manager Xabi Alonso taking over at Real Madrid. But Wirtz – with 23 goal contributions this season – is the jewel in the crown.
Earlier this month, Wirtz told Sports Illustrated he was ‘definitely keen’ to leave his comfort zone ‘at some point and experience something new’.
His contract at the BayArena runs until 2027. The club’s CEO Fernando Carro said in April that Wirtz had a ‘very high chance’ of staying at Leverkusen.
His signing would represent a major coup for the Reds as they go about building a squad capable of defending their Premier League crown and challenging for the Champions League.
In addition to the Frimpong and Wirtz, Arne Slot’s side are also heavily linked with a move for Bournemouth full-back Milos Kerkez, while further moves are also on the cards.
