Liverpool’s Pursuit of Florian Wirtz
Liverpool is nearing a significant deal with Bayer Leverkusen for the transfer of 22-year-old German midfielder Florian Wirtz, as the two clubs engage in daily discussions to finalize terms. Last week, Liverpool submitted a revised offer amounting to around €134 million (£113 million), which includes about €118.7 million (£100 million) guaranteed; however, they are not willing to meet Leverkusen’s higher asking price of approximately €150 million (£126.4 million).
Key Figures in Negotiations
Key figures in the negotiations include Richard Hughes, Liverpool’s sporting director, and Simon Rolfes, the managing director for sport at Leverkusen. The focus of their talks has shifted towards detailing the payment structure and potential add-ons, with both clubs working diligently to craft an agreement that satisfies their respective needs.
While a medical examination for Wirtz is still pending, the recent closure of the first part of the summer transfer window has left ample time for both sides to address outstanding details before the window reopens on June 16.
Challenges and Opportunities
The complexity of this transfer is underscored by Leverkusen’s lack of urgency to sell and Liverpool’s desire to navigate the situation without exceeding their financial limits. This has led to thorough discussions that require patience. The mutual respect fostered in these negotiations bodes well for a positive outcome, potentially marking a record transfer for Liverpool and representing a landmark sale for Leverkusen.
Potential Exit: Darwin Nunez
In a related development, a potential exit from Liverpool could come in the form of Darwin Nunez. The Uruguayan striker has drawn interest from Al Hilal, who made inquiries this week regarding his availability. Following a rejected €70 million bid from Al Nassr earlier this year, Liverpool has established this figure as a baseline for any potential sale.
Despite the interest from the Saudi Pro League, Nunez reportedly prefers to continue his career in Europe, with clubs in Spain and Italy — including Atletico Madrid — expressing interest in his services. Since joining Liverpool from Benfica in 2022, Nunez has netted 40 goals across three seasons at Anfield.
