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Liverpool Set to Shatter British Transfer Record with Florian Wirtz Signing
Liverpool Football Club is reportedly on the verge of smashing the British transfer record with the acquisition of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in a monumental deal valued at £116 million. The anticipated transfer of Florian Wirtz underscores Liverpool’s ambition to bolster their squad with top talent. This move will significantly enhance their midfield options and is poised to make waves in the Premier League.
Agreement Reached: Details of the Wirtz Transfer
Following negotiations concluding on Friday, Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen have reached an accord for the transfer of the highly sought-after midfielder. The Reds are set to pay an initial fee of £100 million, with the remaining £16 million contingent on performance-based add-ons related to both the player’s individual accomplishments and the club’s collective success.
Medical and Contract Finalization Imminent
Florian Wirtz, aged 22, is expected to travel to Merseyside shortly to undergo a comprehensive medical examination and finalize the details of a long-term contract with Liverpool.
Record-Breaking Investment Highlights Liverpool’s Ambition
Liverpool’s commitment to a guaranteed payment of £100 million signifies a record-breaking expenditure for the club, surpassing any previous transfer fee paid for a single player, including add-ons. This investment highlights the club’s determination to secure top talent and compete at the highest level.
Surpassing Previous Transfer Records
This arrangement is expected to eclipse the £115 million Chelsea paid to Brighton for Moises Caicedo in 2023, provided all clauses are met during Wirtz‘s tenure at Liverpool.
Wirtz’s Desire and Liverpool’s Determination
The substantial bid underscores the immense faith within Anfield in the German international’s current skill set and future potential. Insiders who have meticulously followed his career express confidence in his capacity for further growth and development.
Wirtz Favored Anfield Move
Florian Wirtz, who contributed to 30 goals in the previous season, expressed a strong preference for a move to Liverpool, opting against offers from notable clubs such as Manchester City and Bayern Munich.
- Rejected offers from Manchester City and Bayern Munich.
- Expressed a strong desire to play for Liverpool.
Compromise Reached in Negotiations
While Liverpool were initially hesitant to meet Leverkusen’s asking price of £127 million (€150 million), a compromise was eventually negotiated between Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, and his Leverkusen counterpart, Simon Rolfes.
Negotiation Timeline
Discussions between the two clubs have been ongoing since last week, when Liverpool submitted an initial offer of approximately £114 million. To finalize the agreement, Liverpool increased their bid by an additional £2 million.
Finalizing the Details of the Landmark Deal
Liverpool’s record-breaking offer eclipses their previous transfer record of £85 million (including add-ons) spent on Darwin Nunez from Benfica in 2022.
- Liverpool breaks transfer record.
- Previous record: £85m for Darwin Nunez.
Complex Payment Structure
The intricate details of the transfer, including the specific achievements required by Wirtz and Liverpool to trigger payments exceeding £100 million, were finalized late Thursday night.
Payment Terms
While the £100 million is guaranteed, it will be disbursed in installments over several years, with add-ons paid upon the fulfillment of specified conditions.
Future Transfers and Summer Spending
Even though the transfer window is currently closed, agreements can still be made, and medical examinations can be conducted. The official announcement of the deal is expected next week.
Liverpool’s Ambitious Summer Plans
Liverpool’s total summer spending is projected to exceed £200 million as they pursue additional signings. Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth is a target, with Bournemouth holding out for £45 million.
Completed and Potential Signings
- Jeremie Frimpong has already been acquired from Leverkusen for £29.5 million.
- Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is expected to join from Valencia for around £30 million.