Liverpool Shatter British Transfer Record with Blockbuster Florian Wirtz Signing
Liverpool have finalized the acquisition of Bayer Leverkusen's midfield talent Florian Wirtz in what is believed to be a record-breaking transfer fee for British football.
The 22-year-old has successfully completed his medical examination and put pen to paper on an extended deal with the Reds, with expectations that he will link up with the squad for pre-season training in July.
The Athletic reveals that Liverpool have committed to paying as much as €136.3 million (£116.1 million, $157.8 million) to secure Wirtz's services at Anfield this summer. The Merseyside club will provide €117.5 million (£100.1 million, $136.1 million) as an initial payment, with a further €18.8 million (£16 million, $21.8 million) included as performance-based bonuses.
Should all conditions be fulfilled, this transfer would surpass the current Premier League benchmark set by Chelsea's £115 million ($156.4 million) purchase of Moisés Caicedo from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2023. Wirtz's arrival certainly eclipses Liverpool's previous record established by Darwin Núñez (£85 million, $115.6 million).
"My ambition is to claim every trophy each season! Initially, we must focus on our duties, and I must fulfill my responsibilities. Ultimately, we aim for success. Given that they secured the Premier League title last season, my objective is certainly to repeat that achievement and advance further in the Champions League. I possess tremendous ambition," Wirtz expressed during his inaugural club interview.
Wirtz gained recognition within Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen squad that achieved an unbeaten Bundesliga campaign two seasons prior. He boasts 31 appearances for Germany's national squad, contributing seven goals at the senior level.
Wirtz reconnects with his former Leverkusen colleague Jeremie Frimpong at Liverpool, as both players have made the move to Merseyside this summer. The German international is versatile across attacking positions but excels particularly in an attacking midfield capacity or as a supporting striker.