Inside Liverpool's £116m transfer deal for Wirtz

German’s Anfield move could smash British record

- RICHARD JOLLY and CHRIS WILSON

German superstar Florian Wirtz has agreed to join Liverpool in a deal that could see him become the most expensive player ever signed by a Premier League club.

The 22-year-old, who has become one of the most coveted players in world football during his time at Bayer Leverkusen, was a target for Real Madrid, Manchester City and Bayern Munich, though Arne Slot’s side quickly moved to the front of the race for his signature.

Leverkusen had wanted €150m, or £126m, and previously rejected two bids from the Premier League champions. But Liverpool have agreed to sign Wirtz for an initial £100m, potentially rising to £116m, which would set a new British transfer fee record.

Wirtz, who was an integral part of Leverkusen’s undefeated run to a Bundesliga title in 2023-24, has scored 57 goals in 197 games for the club, as well as seven goals in 31 appearances for his national side.

But why has the German picked Liverpool as his next club, and when will the deal be finalised?

Why Liverpool won the race for Wirtz

Manchester City were briefly seen as the favourites to sign Wirtz, but it quickly transpired that the German wanted to move to Anfield. He was persuaded by Liverpool’s vision for him and rejected more lucrative offers because of his desire to move to Anfield.

City were quick to rule out signing the German too, stating that the deal was too expensive to proceed with, and the club later signed French playmaker Rayan Cherki for around £30m.