Liverpool are involved in the battle to sign Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, according to Deutsche Welle (via Paisley Gates).
The German news outlet claims that the Reds, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are among the teams competing for the 21-year-old’s signature.
It is believed that Wirtz will leave Leverkusen “sooner” rather than later, but a bid of between €130m (£108m) and €150m (£125m) may be required for a transfer to go ahead. Based on the asking price, supporters on X doubt that Arne Slot’s team will make an offer:
Too expensive
We don’t buy 100M players. Simple as that. Never have never will
— – (@jarell_era) September 26, 2024
So in other words we aint getting him 😂
— Ben Harling (@BenAHarling) September 26, 2024
Not happening
— Ezekiel Korankye Otoo (@EzekielK_Otoo) September 26, 2024
Got excited for a minute then saw the clubs we’re up against 🤣
— Dean Patterson (@deano5_3) September 26, 2024
We all know how this will pan out.
— Tokalosh (@Tokalosh_dnb) September 26, 2024
Absolutely not needed.
— Name cannot be blank (@chukwukwame) September 26, 2024
FSG can’t afford this…..
— Goran H (@Goranh75) September 26, 2024
Liverpool are prepared to spend big when they need to
Some fans do have short memories. It was only 13 months ago that the Reds tabled a £110m bid for Moises Caicedo. That deal would have gone through if the player hadn’t given his word to Chelsea instead.
The more pertinent question is whether Wirtz is worth that much money. His performances for Leverkusen have been excellent but there are numerous examples in recent years of German players struggling in the Premier League.
That concern seemingly hasn’t put off English clubs in their pursuit so far, though. In addition to Liverpool and City, Arsenal have also been mentioned as a potential suitor for Wirtz in recent days.
Wirtz will consider Leverkusen exit
Deutsche Welle report that the German international is only committed to staying with the current Bundesliga champions as long as they are competing for trophies.
If it becomes clear that Xabi Alonso’s side can’t win another league title or if they exit the Champions League at an early stage, Wirtz will contemplate leaving. This is a transfer story to keep a close eye on.
Find out who is in Liverpool’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
