Liverpool finalizes major signing of Wirtz for record transfer fee

There are no more twists or hijackings. Florian Wirtz (22, Bayer Leverkusen) is finally heading to Liverpool.

The British 'BBC' reported on the 30th (Korean time) that 'Liverpool has entered final negotiations to sign Wirtz. Liverpool has begun preliminary talks with Bayer Leverkusen to acquire Wirtz.'

The outlet reported, 'Premier League champion Liverpool has submitted an improved second bid for the German midfielder Wirtz. The recent offer amounts to 109 million pounds (approximately 202.7 billion won), including bonuses. Wirtz is a key target for Liverpool, and he has made it clear that he wants to join Liverpool before the next season.'

Liverpool is on the verge of signing two players from Bayer Leverkusen simultaneously. In addition to Wirtz, Liverpool is also set to acquire another key resource from Bayer Leverkusen, right wing-back Jeremie Frimpong. The plan is to fill the gap left by Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure to Real Madrid with Frimpong.

Frimpong has a buyout clause amounting to 35 million euros (approximately 54.9 billion won), so permission from Bayer Leverkusen is not needed. The BBC explained, 'Liverpool is ready to trigger the buyout clause for Bayer Leverkusen full-back Frimpong.' Frimpong has also reportedly agreed to join Liverpool and, like Wirtz, expressed his desire to transfer to the club.

Born in 2003, Wirtz is considered one of Germany's top talents. He made his professional debut for Bayer Leverkusen at just 17 years old in 2020 and surprised everyone by recording 7 goals and 10 assists in 24 Bundesliga matches during the 2021-2022 season.

Wirtz rapidly grew into an indispensable asset for Bayer Leverkusen. While he is right-footed, he is skilled enough to use his left foot as if he is ambidextrous. Primarily, he moves freely between the central and wide areas from the attacking midfield position, troubling opposing defenses with box penetration and playmaking.

His excellent passing ability, combined with his scoring prowess, makes him even more threatening. Wirtz has netted 57 goals in 197 matches while wearing the Bayer Leverkusen jersey and is a key player in Germany's offensive lineup. His international record stands at 6 goals in 29 matches.

Wirtz's career is also impressive. He led Bayer Leverkusen to their first-ever unbeaten championship in the Bundesliga last season and has a UEFA Europa League (UEL) runner-up title and a German Football Association (DFB) Pokal championship in his resume. This season, he has also recorded 16 goals and 14 assists in 45 official matches, boasting fearsome stats.

Naturally, big clubs have shown interest in Wirtz. With many transfers expected for Bayer Leverkusen players, starting with manager Xabi Alonso this summer, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid have extended offers to him.

Among them, Manchester City and Bayern Munich have actively pursued him. Manchester City has earmarked Wirtz as a successor to Kevin De Bruyne, who is parting ways due to contract expiration, and has already started behind-the-scenes negotiations for his acquisition. Germany's top team, Bayern Munich, also wanted to recruit Wirtz by leveraging the advantage of being a domestic team.

However, it seems the final winner will be Liverpool. According to the BBC, Manchester City pulled out of the bidding war earlier this month due to concerns over the astronomical transfer fee. Bayern Munich also struggled to convince Wirtz, who seeks a new challenge. As a result, Liverpool succeeded in gaining momentum in acquiring Wirtz, backed by excellent club facilities and proactive efforts.

Now, Liverpool is about to acquire Wirtz for the highest transfer fee in the club's history. 'The Athletic' explained that Wirtz has already visited northwest England and looked for a house. Bayer Leverkusen is reportedly considering Anthony and Alejandro Garnacho (both Manchester United) as replacements for Wirtz.

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