Arne Slot's Master Plan: How Liverpool's Boss Convinced Florian Wirtz to Make the Move
Liverpool's chairman Tom Werner believes it was a "correct choice" to invest £116 million ($159 million) in acquiring Florian Wirtz.
The Merseyside club has committed to paying Bayer Leverkusen a base fee of £100 million ($137.1 million) for the creative midfielder—breaking Britain's transfer record—with an additional £16 million ($21.9 million) potentially due through performance bonuses.
However, club executive Werner has faith that Arne Slot and Liverpool's scouting department have made the proper judgment in securing Wirtz, regardless of the enormous expense required to bring him to Anfield.
"There was considerable criticism last year that we failed to acquire someone for £100 million, but Arne believed the appropriate approach was to develop the existing squad," Werner informed the Liverpool Echo.
"He now also believes it's appropriate to introduce some new talent, and if Wirtz possesses even half the ability that journalists and scouts claim, then it will prove to be the correct choice! It's thrilling, and I hope we can look back in twelve months and confirm it was the right move."
When questioned about the ownership's role in Wirtz's acquisition, Werner responded: "We [Fenway Sports Group] don't interfere with such decisions. We have complete trust that Richard [Hughes, sporting director] and Arne are being exceptionally cautious, and when they approve or suggest something, we will provide backing.
"At one stage during negotiations, we felt we had extended a generous offer, and if Leverkusen had demanded 20% more, we might not have been able to proceed. We don't assume anything, but [Wirtz] was the standout performer in the Bundesliga last season. However, competing in the Premier League will present different obstacles and fresh possibilities for him."
Wirtz represents Liverpool's primary investment this summer, though they have also committed substantial amounts for Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, with the former also joining from Leverkusen and the latter transferred from Bournemouth. These two defenders cost roughly £70 million ($96 million).
It seems improbable that Liverpool, having spent more in one transfer period than previously recorded, have concluded their activity, with rumors of a new central defender and possibly another forward. The Reds will need to offload players to recover finances and create roster space for new arrivals, though.