Florian Wirtz transfer set for EPL record? Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen reach formal agreement

Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz is all set for a record-breaking move to Liverpool after the two clubs agreed on a deal worth up to £116.5 million (approximately €137.5 million). This deal shall officially be completed next week once the German star returns from his off-season holiday. The 22-year-old is expected to undertake his medical tests and then sign on the dotted line. One of the key add-ons to the performance-based bonuses will see Leverkusen earn a portion of the fee if Wirtz wins the Premier League during his contract period.

This transfer will officially be the highest EPL transfer of all time, comfortably overtaking Enzo Fernandes' signing (approximately €122 million) to Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023.

Wirtz has been in high demand for his flamboyant style of play as an attacking midfielder, having played a pivotal part in Bayer Leverkusen's rise under Xabi Alonso. The no.10 has played all his career in the Bundesliga where he represented Leverkusen for seven seasons across two stints while also appearing for FC Koln in a couple of seasons. It is, however, for the 2023-24 Bundesliga champions that Wirtz made headlines, having tallied 35 goals and 45 assists in the last six seasons. 

If and when he signs the contract officially, Wirtz will be the second Leverkusen player to join Liverpool during the transfer window, following right-back Jeremy Frimpong, who recently signed a five-year deal with the EPL champions worth €35 million. The Dutch international's acquisition was part of Liverpool's plans to stabilise their right-back options after Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure to Real Madrid.

Following the signing of Frimpong and the impending inclusion of Wirtz, Liverpool have flexed their muscles in the summer transfer window.