Germany Boss Drops Bombshell About Florian Wirtz's Blockbuster Transfer Timeline

Rudi Völler, who serves as Germany's national team director, has revealed that Bayer Leverkusen sensation Florian Wirtz had been considering a move to Liverpool long before the Merseyside club's summer pursuit became public knowledge.

The Reds are poised to make Wirtz the Premier League's most costly acquisition ever, having reached an agreement with Leverkusen for a transfer fee of €136.3 million (£116.6 million, $156.6 million). The 22-year-old midfielder is scheduled to undergo his medical examination on Friday.

As the summer transfer market opened, Bayern Munich seemed to hold the advantage in securing Wirtz's services, with Manchester City and Real Madrid trailing in the pursuit. However, a crucial meeting with Liverpool boss Arne Slot in mid-May completely transformed the transfer narrative.

Although this encounter appeared to spark Wirtz's interest in joining Liverpool, Völler has indicated that the German playmaker had been contemplating a switch to Anfield for quite some time.

"Through my connections with Bayer Leverkusen, including conversations with his family and the player himself, I was aware of the various approaches he received—Liverpool and Bayern Munich weren't the only clubs interested, there were several others," Völler shared on Toni Kroos's podcast Einfach mal Luppen.

"Several months back, both he and his father indicated to me that Liverpool was his preferred destination."

Speaking from his position as Germany's director, Völler commented: "Naturally, everyone hoped he might remain at Leverkusen for another season and delay his departure until after the World Cup. That would have been my ideal scenario. However, this outcome is perfectly acceptable.

"The young man is prepared for the challenges of the Premier League."

Following the completion of Liverpool's acquisition of Wirtz, who is anticipated to pen a five-year deal, the club will continue pursuing additional signings. Bournemouth's left-back Milos Kerkez is likely to join the German at Anfield shortly after, in a transfer valued at approximately £40 million ($53.8 million).