Liverpool Open Transfer Talks for Florian Wirtz with Bayer Leverkusen

Liverpool have entered negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen over the potential signing of star midfielder Florian Wirtz, in what could become a record-breaking transfer for both club and country.

Discussions between the two sides began following an agreement for Liverpool to sign right-back Jeremie Frimpong. The pursuit of Wirtz, however, would mark an even more significant move, potentially making the 22-year-old the most expensive German player of all time.

Earlier this month, The Athletic reported that Bayern Munich had dropped out of the race, believing Wirtz was poised for a move to Anfield. Liverpool have maintained long-standing interest and have already made contact with the player’s representatives.

Although Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro said in April that Wirtz had a "very high chance" of staying, the landscape appears to have shifted, with multiple sources indicating the Premier League champions are now leading the chase.

Wirtz signed a contract extension with Leverkusen in 2022, committing his future to the club until 2027. But after guiding Xabi Alonso’s side to their first-ever Bundesliga title in an unbeaten 2023–24 season—scoring 18 goals and providing 20 assists—his profile skyrocketed.

In the 2024–25 campaign, he added another 16 goals and 15 assists, and played a pivotal role in Leverkusen's strong finish. Internationally, Wirtz has 29 caps for Germany and netted two goals at Euro 2024.

Speaking to Sports Illustrated in May, Wirtz admitted he was “definitely keen to experience something new” after six seasons at Leverkusen.

The young playmaker could be one of several key exits this summer, with Frimpong close to finalizing a five-year deal at Liverpool. Frimpong’s arrival is expected to follow Trent Alexander-Arnold’s impending departure.

Meanwhile, Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso has announced he will leave at season’s end. Alonso is considered Real Madrid’s top candidate to succeed Carlo Ancelotti, who will become Brazil’s national team manager on May 26.

Liverpool recently wrapped up the Premier League title with four games to spare following a 5-1 win over Tottenham, equaling Manchester United’s all-time record of 20 top-flight titles.