Liverpool secures Florian Wirtz in record £116 million transfer deal

Liverpool has finally completed preparations to acquire Florian Wirtz (22, Bayer Leverkusen).

The British 'BBC' reported on the 13th (Korea time) that 'Liverpool has agreed to a contract worth £116 million (about 215.3 billion won) with Bayer Leverkusen for Wirtz. His transfer fee consists of a guaranteed amount of £100 million (about 185.6 billion won) and a bonus of £16 million (about 29.7 billion won).'

The media noted that 'the additional amount will only be paid if Liverpool achieves sustained success. This will be the highest transfer fee in England's history.' They added, 'The initial highest transfer fee in England was the £107 million (about 198.6 billion won) that Chelsea invested in Enzo Fernandez. Chelsea also spent £100 million on Moisés Caicedo, which could increase to £115 million (about 213.4 billion won).'

Even if the bonus clause is not met, this will remain a transfer fee that goes down in Liverpool's history. The BBC added that 'Wirtz's transfer will be a club record for Liverpool.' Although Manchester City also had a strong interest in Wirtz, they backed away due to the expense associated with the contract. Bayern Munich has also been linked with him. Wirtz has reportedly made it clear that he prefers a move to Anfield (Liverpool's home ground).

Born in 2003, Wirtz is regarded as Germany's top talent. He made his professional debut with Bayer Leverkusen at the age of 17 in 2020 and surprised everyone by recording 7 goals and 10 assists in 24 games during the 2021-2022 Bundesliga season.

Wirtz has quickly become an indispensable asset for Bayer Leverkusen. He is right-footed but skillfully uses his left foot to operate as an attacking midfielder. Primarily playing in the attacking midfield, he moves freely between the center and flanks, troubling opposing defenses with box incursions and playmaking.

He is even more threatening due to his excellent passing abilities and goal-scoring prowess. Wirtz has netted 57 goals in 197 games while wearing the Bayer Leverkusen uniform and is a key player in the German national team offense. His international match record stands at 29 games and 6 goals.

His career is also impressive. Wirtz led Bayer Leverkusen to its first unbeaten Bundesliga title last season and has experiences of being the UEFA Europa League (UEL) runner-up and winning the German Football Association (DFB) Cup. This season, he has recorded a remarkable 16 goals and 14 assists in 45 official matches.

Having proven his skills, Wirtz has emerged as a top star in this summer transfer market. Not only Liverpool but also many big clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich have shown great interest.

Among them, transfer rumors surrounding Manchester City and Bayern Munich were particularly hot. However, Manchester City felt burdened by the astronomical transfer fee and withdrew from the race earlier this month. Bayern Munich struggled to persuade Wirtz, who is seeking a new challenge.

Thus, Liverpool succeeded in capturing Wirtz's interest based on its excellent club facilities and proactive approach. Wirtz has also informed Bayer Leverkusen of his intention to move to Liverpool. Previously, the BBC reported that 'Wirtz is a key target for Liverpool, and he has made it clear that he wants to join Liverpool before the next season.'

Liverpool has decided to invest in the highest transfer fee in Premier League history to acquire Wirtz. The Bundesliga will set a historical record for the highest transfer fee, surpassing the fixed transfer fee of €105 million (about 162.9 billion won) that Borussia Dortmund collected when sending Ousmane Dembélé to Barcelona in 2017.

Wirtz is expected to officially join Liverpool as soon as he passes the medical test. The German 'Kicker' reported that 'Wirtz's transfer has finally been confirmed. Liverpool has agreed on the transfer fee with Bayer Leverkusen, and they have prepared a package worth €150 million (about 236.9 billion won), including bonuses.'

The media added that 'now Wirtz only needs to complete the medical test and the final signature. He decided a month ago to play for Liverpool next season, and only formal procedures remain.' They explained that 'the bonus clause proposed by Liverpool can be easily achieved depending on the club's success, including winning the Champions League.'

Currently, Wirtz is spending his vacation. Kicker stated that 'Wirtz is on vacation, but he needs to complete the medical test for Liverpool. The contract, written in German and English, has been finalized and is under review according to the agreement between Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen, and it is about to be signed. This will complete the largest transfer in Bundesliga and Premier League history.'

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