Liverpool have reached a verbal agreement with Bayer Leverkusen to sign Florian Wirtz in a deal worth up to €150 million, including add-ons.
The transfer will make Wirtz the most expensive signing in British football history, overtaking the £115 million Chelsea paid Brighton for Moises Caicedo.
Wirtz agreed personal terms with Liverpool two weeks ago and is now set to undergo a medical and sign a long-term contract.
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder is considered one of the most gifted talents in European football and played a central role in Leverkusen’s recent Bundesliga triumph.
He contributed 16 goals and 15 assists in all competitions last season and also found the net for Germany during the recent international break.
Liverpool have beaten competition from Bayern Munich and Manchester City, with Wirtz opting for Anfield after being impressed by Arne Slot’s plans to use him as a No 10.
Sporting Director Richard Hughes led the negotiations, offering Leverkusen a package built around performance-related add-ons, including Champions League qualification bonuses.
The German club initially rejected a £113 million proposal but were eventually convinced by the structure of the revised offer, which will see them bank a significant up-front fee.
Wirtz will become Liverpool’s second signing of the summer, following the arrival of Jeremie Frimpong from the same club.
The deal further signals Liverpool’s intent to refresh their squad as they prepare to defend their Premier League title under new leadership.
Wirtz’s arrival is expected to inject creativity into a midfield that has evolved rapidly over the past 12 months.
Former club FC Koln, where Wirtz spent nearly a decade in their academy before joining Leverkusen at 17, are also set to benefit from the transfer.
Under FIFA regulations, Koln are entitled to five per cent of the fee as part of the training compensation scheme.
Koln president Werner Wolf has confirmed the club will push to receive the full amount, which could exceed £5 million.
The signing of Wirtz continues Liverpool’s aggressive start to the transfer window and represents a major statement as Slot begins his reign at Anfield.
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