Liverpool face Florian Wirtz dispute with Bayer Leverkusen as 7 exits confirmed

Daily Mirror

a day ago

Liverpool are prominent in the transfer market this summer after conducting minimal business 12 months ago and the Reds are keen to land Florian Wirtz in the coming weeks
Liverpool have wasted little time getting busy in the transfer market this summer. The Reds have already brought Jeremie Frimpong to the club from Bayer Leverkusen but have more on the agenda for Arne Slot.
Florian Wirtz is top of the list as the Anfield side attempt to come to an agreement with Leverkusen once again. A British record deal awaits if Liverpool can iron out any discrepencies with a deal expected to go through.
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The club are also looking to land Milos Kerkez as Slot looks to reinforce at full-back. After conducting minimal business for his first season, the Dutch boss is set to leave his imprint on the squad.
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There are sure to be players follow Trent Alexander-Arnold out of the club too. Luis Diaz, Harvey Elliot and Darwin Nunez, among others, all face uncertain futures.
Mirror Football takes a look at the latest Liverpool transfer news and rumours below.
Robertson speaks out
Andy Robertson is not worried about the prospect of competition from Milos Kerkez at left-back next season. The Bournemouth star looks set to arrive at Anfield this summer, while Robertson has just a year remaining on his contract.
The Scotland international has confidence in himself to continue to challenge for a place and believes he still has a lot to give. "We're not daft, it looks as if a deal could potentially be done," Robertson told BBC Scotland.
"But, until that is done, I've not even given that a second thought. I back myself, I've got confidence in my own ability and that drives me forward.
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"I've had eight fantastic years at Liverpool in terms of winning trophies, being a mainstay in the team, which I'm incredibly proud of. I'm not getting any younger, I can't change my age, but I still believe I've got a lot to give and that's what I focus on.
"I focus on myself - you can't focus on other people or who you're competing with. I still believe I have a hell of a lot to give for however many years I can keep going. My body feels good at the minute.
"I can't tell you how I'll feel at 33 or 34, but I can tell you, at 31, I feel excellent. I've been fit for every game, I've not missed a training session and that's not a sign of someone who is slowing down.
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"I've got a year left at Liverpool, I'm looking forward to a switch off, I'm looking forward to a holiday and then I'll look forward to pre-season. What the future holds after that? I've not given it too much thought."
Wirtz drama
Florian Wirtz is set to be at the centre of a 'million-dollar dispute' when he completes his transfer to Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen. According to a report from BILD, the German side are set to receive plenty of attention from Koln as they attempt to ensure they receive all the money they are entitled to.
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"Of course, we are looking into it," Wolf said on Radio Cologne. "We know what we are entitled to and will fight for it. We're looking at this with both eyes. We'll benefit from it. The higher the sum Liverpool is willing to pay, the better for us."
Per FIFA's rules, any club that has played a role in a player's development between the age of 12 and 23 will receive five per cent of any transfer fee in compensation. Wirtz trained with Koln for nine-and-a-half years from the age of seven.
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Koln are said to be planning to argue that Wirtz's 'training' period concluded long before he turned 23 as a result of him earning his Leverkusen at 17 and becoming a Germany international when he was 18. This is in hope of proving they are entitled to the maximum amount of compensation from any transfer.
The side could be due around £6.3m if Liverpool end up paying Leverkusen's £126m asking price. Koln are set to engage with the FIFA Clearing House to ensure the highest payout possible.
Liverpool confirm exits
Liverpool have announced that seven players have left the club following the expiration of their contracts. Academy products Dominic Corness, Louis Enahoro-Marcus, Harry Evers, Lee Jonas, Jakub Ojrzynski, Jacob Poytress and Reece Trueman will all be released by the new Premier League champions and search for new clubs.
The Reds meanwhile, have offered new deals to eight young players. Kareem Ahmed, Emmanuel Airoboma, Keyrol Figueroa, Kyle Kelly, Michael Laffey, Wellity Lucky, Terence Miles and Ranel Young, all have the opportunity to extend their stays.