Liverpool has made a significant move in the transfer market by submitting an offer of up to €130 million (£109 million) for Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. Sources close to the situation describe this as an improved second bid from the Premier League champions. This hefty amount includes a guaranteed fee plus potential add-ons.
Wirtz, now 22, has become a top target for Liverpool, and reports indicate he is excited about the possibility of joining the club. Conversations between Liverpool and Leverkusen began earlier this year, especially as another player, Jeremie Frimpong, is set to move to Anfield.
While Bayern Munich also showed interest in Wirtz, they were informed of his preference for Liverpool earlier this month. Wirtz even visited northwest England to look for housing in anticipation of the transfer. He currently has a contract with Leverkusen until 2027, having signed a new deal in 2022.
In the 2023-24 season, Wirtz played an essential role in helping Leverkusen win their first league title, earning the Bundesliga’s Player of the Season award. He scored 18 goals and provided 20 assists, but the following season saw his team fall short in the title race, finishing 13 points behind Bayern despite Wirtz contributing 16 goals and 15 assists.
The young playmaker has also established himself on the international stage, earning 29 caps for Germany since his debut in 2021.
Mark Carey, a football analyst, notes that while Dominik Szoboszlai has been key for Liverpool as an attacking midfielder, his contributions have been more about energy and movement rather than pure goal-scoring. Szoboszlai has managed six goals and seven assists in 36 league games. In contrast, Wirtz’s attacking statistics are much stronger, boasting 21 goals and 25 assists in the Bundesliga over the last couple of seasons.
Wirtz and Szoboszlai offer different strengths. Wirtz is skilled in close control and intricate play, while Szoboszlai’s game relies more on power and stamina. Wirtz’s versatility means he can adapt to various positions on the pitch, which could be beneficial for Liverpool’s tactical approach.
Currently, under the guidance of head coach Arne Slot, Liverpool has focused on scoring through wide players. Bringing Wirtz into the mix could provide depth and creativity without the need for a traditional center-forward, which is challenging to acquire in the current market. Additionally, Wirtz could serve as a potential successor to Mohamed Salah, who will turn 33 soon.
As transfer rumors swirl, fans are eager to see how this potential signing will affect the team’s future and its attack strategy.
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Liverpool, Germany, Bayer Leverkusen, Champions League, International Football, Premier League, Soccer