Liverpool have made a massive statement in the summer transfer window by signing German international Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. The record-breaking deal is worth a total of £116 million, including £100 million guaranteed and £16 million in add-ons. This signing could potentially become the most expensive transfer in British football history, overtaking the £115 million Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo in 2023.
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has signed a five-year contract at Anfield and becomes Liverpool’s second major signing of the window, following the arrival of Dutch wing-back Jeremie Frimpong from Leverkusen earlier this summer. This bold move further underlines Liverpool’s transfer ambitions under manager Arne Slot as the club looks to maintain dominance after their Premier League title win.
Key Transfer Details
- Player Name: Florian Wirtz
- Age: 22
- Nationality: German
- Previous Club: Bayer Leverkusen
- New Club: Liverpool
- Position: Attacking Midfielder (No. 10 role)
- Transfer Fee: £100m guaranteed + £16m add-ons (Total: £116m)
- Contract Length: 5 years
- Record Broken: Could surpass British transfer record (£115m by Chelsea for Caicedo)
- Date of Transfer Completion: June 20, 2025
Wirtz Brings World-Class Creativity to Liverpool Midfield
Florian Wirtz is widely regarded as one of the best young midfielders in world football. He contributed 10 goals and 12 assists in 25 starts last season and played a vital role in Leverkusen’s title-winning, unbeaten campaign in 2023–24. The German international has made 29 appearances for his country and featured in all five matches of Euro 2024 on home soil.
Speaking after his move to Anfield, Florian Wirtz said, “I feel very happy and very proud. Finally, it’s done, and I was waiting for a long time. I want to have something completely new, to go out of the Bundesliga and join the Premier League. I hope I can do my best.”
Wirtz made his senior debut for Leverkusen shortly after turning 17 and quickly established himself as a key first-team player. Despite suffering a serious knee injury in 2022, he returned to top form to inspire Leverkusen’s double-winning season.
Liverpool’s move for Florian Wirtz is a clear indication of their ambition to stay at the top. Manager Arne Slot had only signed one outfield player last season — Federico Chiesa — but with Wirtz now in the mix, Slot has added a dynamic and creative midfielder capable of unlocking defenses and contributing goals.
Florian Wirtz is expected to play in the No. 10 role, offering a more technical and creative approach than Dominik Szoboszlai. This could see Szoboszlai drop into a deeper midfield role alongside Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, or Curtis Jones, allowing Liverpool to field a more versatile and balanced lineup.
Also Read: Premier League Transfer Window 2025: Five Big Names to Watch This Summer
Bayer Leverkusen Miss Out as Wirtz Chooses Premier League Challenge
The transfer also deals a blow to Bayern Munich, who were long interested in signing Florian Wirtz. However, the German star preferred a move away from the Bundesliga and chose Liverpool over Bayern, despite the two clubs being long-time rivals for his signature. Manchester City were also in the race but reportedly pulled out due to the spiraling costs of the transfer package.
Wirtz’s decision to move abroad at just 22 surprised many in Germany. Football legend Lothar Matthäus commented, “I wouldn’t have thought Florian would make this switch so early. But he wants to get out of his comfort zone.”
His journey to this point hasn’t been without controversy. Wirtz left his boyhood club Cologne at the age of 16 for nearby Leverkusen, sparking backlash from fans and disputes between the clubs. Nevertheless, his rapid rise through the Bundesliga ranks justified the move, and now his talents will be tested in the Premier League.
The record-breaking signing of Wirtz is a bold step as Liverpool prepares for the 2025–26 season. With the club already crowned Premier League champions last season and now making waves in the transfer market, fans will be eager to see how Wirtz adapts to English football.
Liverpool are clearly not content with past success. The arrival of Wirtz marks the beginning of a new chapter as the club seeks to build on its recent achievements and challenge for more domestic and European titles. If Florian Wirtz performs to his potential, this £116 million investment could turn out to be one of the smartest and most impactful deals in Liverpool’s modern history.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
1. What is the transfer fee Liverpool paid for Florian Wirtz?
Liverpool paid £100m plus £16m in add-ons, totaling £116m.
2. Why did Wirtz choose Liverpool over Bayern Munich?
He wanted a new challenge outside Germany and preferred the Premier League.
3. What position will Wirtz play at Liverpool?
He’ll play as an attacking midfielder, likely in the No. 10 role.