Liverpool is entering the competition to sign Florian Wirtz (22, Bayer Leverkusen).
The German newspaper 'Bild+' reported on the 15th (Korean time) that "Liverpool also participated in the competition to sign Florian Wirtz."
Wirtz, born in 2003, is an attacking midfielder who mainly operates in the attack line based on excellent balance, quick directional changes, and fast feet. As a number 10 optimized for modern football, he presents high-efficiency play based on concise and creative passing and the ability to kick with both feet.
With quick decision-making and excellent balance, he overcomes physical weaknesses and has the versatility to create variables in on-the-ball breakthroughs and set-piece situations.
In the 2021-2022 season, he suffered a career-threatening injury to his meniscus and cruciate ligament, but he continues to demonstrate his excellent skills after returning. Recently, he has added vigorous activity and competitive ability, growing into a playmaker influential across the pitch.
Wirtz wanted to grow again. He is in a position to continue competing at a larger team after leaving Bayer Leverkusen. This is understandable as big clubs such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City have shown interest in him.
Bayern Munich has been mentioned as the most likely destination. Earlier on the 9th, transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano reported that if Wirtz leaves Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern would be 'the clear front-runner' in the signing competition, while the German 'AZ' reported on the 12th that "Wirtz and Bayern Munich have agreed on the transfer. The transfer is expected to take place within this summer, with a contract duration until 2030, and the salary ranging from 20 million to 25 million euros (approximately 31.5 billion to 39.3 billion won)."
Additionally, it has been reported that Wirtz's side and Bayern have essentially agreed on personal terms.
In this situation, Liverpool has also participated in the competition to sign Wirtz. Bild+ exclusively reported that "Wirtz and his father Hans visited Blackpool and Manchester in the United Kingdom on a private jet on the 13th. It was a short yet intensive trip lasting a total of 9 hours." This can be seen as a so-called 'Premier League scouting tour.'
According to reports, Wirtz stayed in Blackpool for 1 hour and 5 minutes and made contact with Liverpool representatives there. Liverpool is only 88 kilometers away from Blackpool. After that, he took a private jet again and headed to Manchester in 20 minutes. It has not yet been confirmed whether this schedule was due to a meeting with Manchester City.
It is clear that both teams have a strong interest in Wirtz. Liverpool has earmarked Wirtz as a key resource under new head coach Arne Slot. According to Bild, Manchester City has also reportedly requested permission to contact Wirtz's family in writing with Bayer Leverkusen. While the transfer fee negotiations have not been finalized yet, it has been reported that they are willing to meet a figure close to the 150 million euro (approximately 220 billion won) amount Bayer Leverkusen desires.
Wirtz's side, having contacted both Manchester City and Liverpool, seems to be keeping all options open, including the possibility of rejoining Real Madrid. Wirtz appears to be cautious in making his decision by seeking dialogue with as many clubs as possible before opening the next chapter of his career on the European stage.
Of course, Bayern Munich is also closely monitoring this situation. Bild reported that "Bayern seems to have taken a step back in this transfer battle, but internally, they are confident that 'Wirtz will eventually wear Bayern's uniform.' The basis for this belief is the ‘certain signals already received internally.’"
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