Wirtz Effect: How Liverpool's Transfer Strategy Pivots Around German Star
Liverpool are putting all their transfer activities on hold while they concentrate on completing the acquisition of Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, according to German media sources.
The Premier League club has reportedly reached a deal worth €136.3 million (£116.1 million, $157.8 million) for Wirtz, who is expected to sign his contract upon returning from holiday later this week.
As Liverpool prepares to shatter the Premier League transfer record, they've had to temporarily pause their other recruitment plans, including the anticipated signing of Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez.
The Kerkez transfer appears to be virtually complete, with a £45 million ($61 million) arrangement already established between the clubs, but Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg reports that Liverpool won't finalize this deal until Wirtz has officially joined.
Reports indicate that Liverpool remain confident the Kerkez transfer will proceed as planned, but the substantial financial commitment for Wirtz has forced them to exercise caution for approximately a week until they're financially positioned to resume their transfer activities.
The Merseyside club has already secured two signings this summer. Right-back Jeremie Frimpong was acquired from Leverkusen for £29.5 million ($40 million), followed by young goalkeeper Ármin Pécsi who cost £1.5 million ($2 million). Adding Wirtz and Kerkez would elevate Liverpool's summer expenditure to nearly £200 million ($271.1 million).
New manager Arne Slot reportedly still desires a striker and central defender but, as BILD suggests, Liverpool may now need to focus on player sales before pursuing additional acquisitions.
Forward Darwin Núñez is likely to depart amid interest from Saudi Arabian clubs, which are also competing with Barcelona for Luis Díaz's signature. Left-back Andy Robertson has attracted attention from Atlético Madrid, while uncertainty surrounds the futures of Jarell Quansah, Joe Gomez, Harvey Elliott and Federico Chiesa.