Florian Wirtz to Liverpool: Final Offer Imminent as Bayer Leverkusen Set Asking Price

Florian Wirtz to Liverpool: Final Offer Imminent as Bayer Leverkusen Set Asking Price

Liverpool Prepare Final Bid for Florian Wirtz After Initial £113m Rejection

Liverpool are set to make one last push in their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen’s attacking star Florian Wirtz, with a final offer expected to be tabled in the coming days. According to reports from the Daily Mail and other close sources, the Merseyside giants have already seen two record-breaking bids turned down by the Bundesliga champions. However, Liverpool’s interest in the 22-year-old German international remains firm, and they are now weighing up whether to match Leverkusen’s revised asking price of £118 million.

The development comes amid heightened anticipation from fans, with many keen to see Liverpool land one of Europe’s most highly-rated young attacking talents. Wirtz is currently on international duty with Germany and is expected to feature in their UEFA Nations League third-place play-off against France this weekend. The match provides an ideal opportunity for supporters and scouts alike to evaluate the player once more on a big stage.

Leverkusen’s Stance: £118m or No Deal

Bayer Leverkusen, who secured their first-ever Bundesliga title under the management of Xabi Alonso this past season, are holding firm in their valuation of Wirtz. The initial figure floated earlier this year was said to be around £126 million, but sources close to the club now indicate they would be willing to part with their star midfielder for a slightly reduced fee of £118 million.

Despite having already rejected bids in excess of £100 million—reportedly one of them as high as £113 million—Leverkusen’s position appears clear: unless Liverpool meet the current valuation, Wirtz will not be leaving the BayArena this summer.

The German club has no urgent need to sell, having already secured Champions League qualification for next season and banking substantial revenue from their successful domestic campaign. Additionally, Wirtz remains under contract until 2027, meaning Leverkusen can afford to play the long game if necessary.

Wirtz: Liverpool’s Priority Target for the Summer

There’s no denying that Florian Wirtz is Liverpool’s marquee target in the 2025 summer transfer window. The creative midfielder has been a revelation for Leverkusen, contributing significantly to their historic title-winning campaign. With his intelligent movement, impeccable vision, and goal-scoring ability, Wirtz has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s elite playmakers.

His numbers last season were particularly impressive, with double-digit tallies in both goals and assists across all competitions. At just 22, Wirtz fits perfectly into Liverpool’s long-term strategy under Arne Slot, who is expected to implement a possession-based system requiring technical excellence and spatial intelligence in midfield.

Wirtz’s ability to operate between the lines, carry the ball under pressure, and unlock deep defensive blocks could be a game-changer for Liverpool, particularly as they look to compensate for the declining creative influence of Trent Alexander-Arnold when he plays in a hybrid midfield role.

A Record-Breaking Deal on the Cards?

If Liverpool go ahead with Leverkusen’s £118m valuation, the deal would represent a record-breaking transfer for the Anfield club. It would surpass the previous British record fee of £115 million paid by Chelsea for Moises Caicedo in 2023 and would comfortably eclipse Liverpool’s own transfer record—the £85 million (potentially rising) they shelled out for Darwin Nunez in 2022.

Such a move signals serious ambition from the Liverpool hierarchy, especially under the new era of sporting director Richard Hughes, who has replaced Jörg Schmadtke. However, there is also an air of caution surrounding the potential deal. Committing such a vast sum to a player, however talented, comes with obvious financial risks—particularly in a league where every acquisition is scrutinised for instant impact.

Should Liverpool Proceed with Caution?

While there is significant excitement about the possibility of signing Wirtz, there are also valid concerns among the Liverpool faithful and pundit community alike. Paying close to £120 million for a player who has yet to play outside Germany represents a significant gamble.

Darwin Nunez serves as a recent cautionary tale. Despite arriving amid massive hype and potential from Benfica, the Uruguayan forward has yet to fully live up to expectations. Although he has had flashes of brilliance, inconsistency and missed chances have raised questions about the club’s transfer strategy in recent seasons.

Liverpool have not signed another major striker since Nunez’s arrival, which raises the stakes for any further big-money additions. If Wirtz were to similarly struggle to adapt to the intensity and physicality of the Premier League, it could place immense pressure on both the player and the club’s recruitment team.

Depth and Long-Term Planning at Anfield

That said, Wirtz’s playing style and technical profile arguably make him more suited to the Premier League than other Bundesliga exports. His maturity on the ball, coupled with his vision and passing range, would fill a gap Liverpool have had in recent years—a lack of a natural No. 10 who can dictate tempo and create chances in tight spaces.

Furthermore, with players like Thiago Alcantara expected to leave and Jordan Henderson no longer at the club, Liverpool’s midfield is in the midst of a generational shift. The arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch have already injected fresh energy into the engine room. But adding Wirtz would elevate Liverpool’s creative ceiling even higher.

Slot’s vision reportedly includes an attacking midfielder who can bridge the gap between midfield and attack—a role that Wirtz could make his own.

Potential Outgoings: Luis Diaz a Candidate to Fund the Deal?

To balance the books and comply with Financial Fair Play regulations, Liverpool may need to offload some high-value assets to fund Wirtz’s acquisition. One name repeatedly mentioned in this context is Luis Diaz. The Colombian winger has had moments of brilliance but is considered by some insiders as one of the more ‘sellable’ assets in the current squad.

There has been interest from clubs in La Liga, particularly Barcelona. However, the Catalan giants are facing financial constraints of their own, and it remains uncertain whether they could muster the funds required to sign Diaz outright.

If a suitable buyer is found, the proceeds from such a transfer could significantly offset the cost of bringing Wirtz to Anfield. Other potential departures could include fringe players such as Kostas Tsimikas, Nat Phillips, or even Caoimhín Kelleher, who is reportedly keen on regular first-team football.

Strategic Importance Beyond 2025

Wirtz’s signing wouldn’t just be about 2025—it would be a strategic move aimed at anchoring Liverpool’s attack for the next decade. With Mohamed Salah now in his 30s and long-term questions remaining about Nunez’s consistency, Liverpool need reliable offensive options who can lead the team into the next era.

In that context, Wirtz makes perfect sense. He brings youth, Bundesliga-winning experience, and the technical qualities that have drawn admiration from the likes of Pep Guardiola and Julian Nagelsmann. His ability to play across various attacking roles also provides Slot with tactical flexibility, allowing the team to switch formations without compromising quality.

A Statement of Intent

Whether Liverpool succeed in their final bid for Wirtz remains to be seen. But the fact that they are even entertaining a deal of this magnitude sends a strong message: the club intends to compete at the highest level, both domestically and in Europe.

The 2024–25 season ended with Liverpool missing out on the Premier League title and falling short in Europe, and there’s now a clear desire to return to trophy-winning ways. Investing in top-tier talent like Florian Wirtz is one way to fast-track that goal.

Conclusion: Risk Worth Taking?

While the financial aspect of a deal for Florian Wirtz might raise eyebrows, it is also an opportunity for Liverpool to secure one of the most talented young players in world football. If managed well, the move could pay long-term dividends both on and off the pitch.

With a final offer expected soon, the ball is now in Leverkusen’s court. Whether they accept the bid or stand firm will determine the course of this high-stakes saga. For Liverpool, it’s a case of go big or go home—and Wirtz might just be worth the gamble.