Liverpool Set to Smash Transfer Record with £116m Deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz

Liverpool have reached a landmark agreement to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s highly rated attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz in a transfer deal worth up to £116 million, setting a new British transfer record. The 22-year-old German international is expected to complete his move to Anfield next week after returning from his post-season holiday, with a medical and contract signing scheduled.

The deal, which includes an initial payment of £100 million and up to £16 million in performance-related add-ons, will eclipse the club’s previous record signing of Darwin Núñez and surpass the British transfer record set by Chelsea’s acquisition of Moisés Caicedo in 2023. Negotiations between Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes and Leverkusen’s Simon Rolfes focused on the payment structure and add-ons, with Leverkusen initially holding out for £126 million before agreeing to Liverpool’s improved offer.

Wirtz, who was instrumental in Leverkusen’s recent Bundesliga campaigns, scored 16 goals and provided 15 assists in 45 appearances last season, helping his team to a second-place finish. Over his career at Leverkusen, Wirtz has tallied 57 goals in 197 appearances, earning Bundesliga Player of the Season honors and establishing himself as one of Europe’s premier young talents.

The German playmaker had attracted strong interest from Bayern Munich, Manchester City, and Real Madrid, but sources indicate Wirtz made Liverpool his preferred destination, with personal terms already agreed. Liverpool manager Arne Slot views Wirtz’s versatility, vision, and line-breaking passing as key assets to reinforce the squad ahead of the new season.

Wirtz will become Liverpool’s second signing of the summer, joining former Leverkusen teammate Jeremie Frimpong, as the club looks to build on their recent Premier League title triumph. The official unveiling is expected once Wirtz completes his medical and media duties next week, finalizing a transfer that could prove transformational for the Reds.