Liverpool have taken the first steps toward signing Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz, as preparations for the upcoming season begin under new head coach Arne Slot. The 22-year-old German international is quickly becoming a priority for the Premier League champions.
Wirtz a top target as slot plans for next season
Discussions between Liverpool and Leverkusen have already included Wirtz, with the Merseyside club expressing strong interest in the creative midfielder. During talks regarding a potential move for full-back Jeremie Frimpong, Liverpool also made their intention clear to pursue Wirtz.
Although no official negotiations have started, that stage is expected to follow shortly. Leverkusen value the player at over £120 million, a figure that would surpass the current British transfer record of £107 million paid by Chelsea for Enzo Fernandez in 2023.
Wirtz favors Anfield over Bayern
Reports from Germany suggest Wirtz would prefer a switch to Anfield rather than joining Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich. The Reds have received encouraging signs that the player is open to making the move.
Manchester City, previously linked with the midfielder, are reportedly no longer pursuing him, leaving Liverpool and Bayern as the leading contenders. Slot has made it clear that reinforcements are essential, even for a title-winning side.
Slot acknowledges the need for key additions
Speaking to the BBC, Slot stated that Liverpool would be wise to enhance their squad over the summer. “We would be foolish not to strengthen,” he noted. “There are only a few players who can improve us, but we will attempt to bring them in. At the moment, we don’t know if that will be possible.”
With the club’s ambitions clear and Wirtz viewed as a potentially transformative signing, the coming weeks could prove decisive in shaping Liverpool’s summer transfer window.
