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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Liverpool 'agree British record Florian Wirtz deal' as Reds to sign German star
Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, according to reports, with the Reds having agreed to meet the Bundesliga side's demands Liverpool have reportedly clinched a British record-breaking deal for the highly sought-after Florian Wirtz, with Bayer Leverkusen's valuation finally met by the Anfield side. The transfer saga that has dominated headlines is seemingly drawing to a close as the Reds have reached an agreement with the German club that is thought to reach their £126.9million valuation should various add-ons be met. The move will surpass the £115m Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo when they signed from Brighton two years ago. After rejecting two previous offers from Liverpool, Leverkusen stood firm on their asking price, which Liverpool have now apparently satisfied, although the specifics of the deal's structure remain undisclosed. Wirtz is poised for a medical and to put pen to paper, with reports noting that the German talent had his sights set on joining Liverpool and had agreed to terms over a fortnight ago. Despite interest from Manchester City and Bayern Munich, Wirtz has opted for a future with the Merseyside outfit. The young star's ascent at the BayArena has been nothing short of spectacular, earning him the title of Bundesliga Player of the Season in the last campaign. "You have to give special players like Flo the possibility to do special things on the pitch," former Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso had enthused when discussing his prodigy. Wirtz, a European Under-21 Champion with Germany in 2021, has already racked up an impressive 29 appearances for the senior national team, netting six goals for Die Mannschaft. Former Germany gaffer and current Barcelona boss Hansi Flick praised: "Florian is just a huge asset for this team with his care-free nature. "He's simply an outstanding technician, loves to play, is very creative, has a good shot, runs hard and is quick. He's the full package."
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rayan Cherki sends reminder in battle with fellow Liverpool transfer target Florian Wirtz
There may have been a moment when Arne Slot felt he had to choose: Florian Wirtz or Rayan Cherki? If so, it's clear the Liverpool head coach opted for the former. Given, at 22, he has been voted Bundesliga Player of the Season for two years in a row, has established himself as Germany's star name and spearheaded Bayer Leverkusen 's 2023/24 title win, it's no surprise Slot plumped for Wirtz. Advertisement Many see him as a generational talent. Devin Ozek, Leverkusen's former executive CEO assistant, claimed Wirtz is one of the best signings in Bundesliga history. In the last two seasons he has registered 69 goal involvements at club level, and has also shown his quality on the international scene. READ MORE: Coutinho remarks miss the point as Liverpool justifies big spending in heralded Slot era READ MORE: Bayer Leverkusen resists Florian Wirtz temptation ahead of final Liverpool transfer offer That was evident last week in the Nations League as he played 180 minutes across two games for Germany, scoring in the defeat against Portugal. It comes on the back of a Nations League qualifying campaign in which Wirtz provided six goal involvements from five starts. Advertisement But the finals ultimately proved to be disappointing, with defeats in both outings. Against France, in Sunday's third-place play-off, Cherki's cheeky nutmeg on Liverpool's incoming signing will have drawn a few smiles at Manchester City, where it seems the Lyon star is now destined. It was a moment of skill that caused ruptures on social media, with Cherki 'destroying' Wirtz, as one X user put it. Florian Wirtz played every minute for Germany during June's fixtures -Credit:Maja Hitij/UEFA via Getty Images In reality, that's far from the case. One skilful action won't end any debate over which star name the Reds should have pursued. Reports indicated that Slot met Cherki earlier this summer to discuss a possible transfer, even briefly leaving his holiday, such was the urgency of the appointment. But he ultimately opted against the deal, feeling Wirtz provided a higher-quality option. Advertisement Given that Liverpool's arrival is expected to cost four to five times more than City's, that perhaps underlines the contrast in the duo's standards. Arne Slot was faced with the decision: Cherki or Wirtz? -Credit:Getty Images That's not to downplay Cherki's quality. He enjoyed an encouraging international break, netting a sublime strike against Spain and again impressing in the win over Germany in his first international start. The 21-year-old has been likened to Eden Hazard in recent days, while Liverpool's reported transfer interest certainly intrigued fans earlier this year. But Wirtz is seen as a player who is redefining the no.10 role, who provides the sort of tactical nuances, positional variation and game-changing impacts that will justify a British record transfer bid.
Straits Times
31-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Liverpool step up bid to land Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz: reports
Florian Wirtz has reportedly said that he wants to join Liverpool before next season. PHOTO: EPA-EFE LONDON – Liverpool have made an improved £109 million (S$189 million) bid to sign Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz, according to reports on May 30. The English Premier League champions' second offer for Wirtz includes add-on clauses that would make him the most expensive signing in the club's history. Wirtz has also attracted interest from Bayern Munich and Manchester City, but it is believed that he made it clear to Leverkusen that he wants to join Liverpool before next season. Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes said earlier in the week Liverpool had 'concrete interest' in Wirtz. The German club's chief executive Fernando Carro had previously insisted that he would not let his player leave for less than £125 million. The 22-year-old emerged as one of the most highly-rated young playmakers in Europe after helping Leverkusen win their first Bundesliga crown in 2023-24, together with the German Cup. He was named Bundesliga Player of the Season for his role in that triumph. He featured in 31 Bundesliga matches this season, scoring 10 goals as Leverkusen finished second behind Bayern in the title race. Wirtz has scored 57 goals in 197 games since making his Leverkusen debut aged just 17 after signing from Cologne in 2020. The news came as Liverpool announced their signing of defender Jeremie Frimpong, Wirtz's Leverkusen teammate, on a long-term contract. Financial details were not disclosed by either club, but British media reported Liverpool triggered a €35 million (S$51 million) release clause for the Dutch international, whose deal with Leverkusen was valid until 2028. The transfer was announced hours after Trent Alexander-Arnold joined Real Madrid from Liverpool on a six-year deal, with Frimpong set to replace the England defender as he becomes manager Arne Slot's first signing after they won the Premier League title. 'It went quite easy,' the 24-year-old told the club website. 'Liverpool came and said they had interest, and obviously for me it was a no-brainer. 'For me, it was like, 'Whatever you guys do, just get this done'.' Frimpong, who will officially join on June 1, signed a five-year contract, media reports said. The right-back, who can also play as a winger, also played a key role in the Leverkusen side that won the domestic double in 2023-24, chipping in with 14 goals and 12 assists across all competitions. Frimpong also recorded 12 assists this season, adding five goals, from 48 appearances in all competitions. A product of City's academy, he joined Leverkusen in 2021 from Scottish side Celtic. He has represented the Netherlands on 12 occasions, scoring one goal, since making his debut with the senior squad in October 2023 in a Euro 2024 qualifier against France. 'Liverpool fans, I'm going to give my all, my energy, my work rate and hopefully we can win together, we celebrate together, get everything together,' Frimpong added. 'I'm just excited to be here. Thank you guys for accepting me and I won't let you guys down and I'll give you the energy that you guys want.' He is now set to join a Dutch contingent at Liverpool that includes Slot as well as club captain Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch. Leverkusen, meanwhile, also saw Jonathan Tah leave after the German defender signed a four-year contract with Bayern. The 28-year-old, who made 402 appearances for Leverkusen, joined Bayern on a free transfer. 'I'm very happy to be at FC Bayern. I want to take on responsibility here and work hard every day so that we're successful as a team and win lots of trophies together,' Tah said in a statement. Tah started his senior career at Hamburg and joined Leverkusen in 2015, making his Germany debut during his first year at the club and racking up 35 international appearances. AFP, REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Business Upturn
29-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Florian Wirtz named Bundesliga player of the season
Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz has been named as Bundesliga Player of the season for his wonderful performance throught the season. By Ravi Kumar Jha Published on May 29, 2025, 19:18 IST Last updated May 29, 2025, 19:20 IST Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz has been named as Bundesliga Player of the season for his wonderful performance throught the season. The forward is expected to leave the club this summer as the talks with Liverpool is ongoing. The forward is valued more than €100 million and Liverpool are ready to make a bid. However, there are also reports that Real Madrid are also looking for his signature and wants to jump in between Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz has been officially crowned the Bundesliga Player of the Season following a sensational 2024/25 campaign. The 21-year-old forward played a crucial role in Leverkusen's remarkable run, showcasing creativity, consistency, and maturity beyond his years. Wirtz's dazzling performances, which included numerous goals and assists, helped Xabi Alonso's side challenge Germany's elite and maintain their competitive edge throughout the season. His ability to dictate play in the final third and unlock defences made him one of the most feared attackers in the league. With his stock soaring, Wirtz is now the subject of intense transfer speculation. Liverpool are reportedly in advanced talks to bring the German international to Anfield, with the Reds preparing a bid exceeding €100 million. The Merseyside club sees Wirtz as a long-term solution to bolster their attacking midfield options. Ravi kumar jha is an undergraduate student in Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia and Mass Communication. A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication and he also has a genuine interest in sports. Ravi is currently working as a journalist at
Metro
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Liverpool make first official bid for Florian Wirtz after Bayer Leverkusen talks
Liverpool have launched their first official bid to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen worth over £84m plus add-ons, according to reports. The Reds sensationally emerged as the front-runners to secure Wirtz's signature on Friday after a dramatic transfer battle with Bayern Munich. It was previously reported that a verbal agreement was in place for Wirtz to join Bayern Munich before Liverpool swooped in at the last minute. Wirtz has already said yes to a move to Liverpool and has even visited the north west of England to look for houses ahead of his expected switch. According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have now made their opening offer for Wirtz – in a package worth over €100m (£84m) plus add-ons – to bring the Germany international to Anfield. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. Club-to-club negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen are underway and restarted on Monday with the Reds aiming get the deal done 'very soon'. The transfer window opens early this summer – between June 1 and June 10 – because of the Club World Cup. It will then reopen again on June 16. Wirtz is widely regarded as one of the best attacking midfielders in the world and it would be a major boost if Liverpool get a deal done for him. The 22-year-old has conjured up 10 goals and 13 assists across 31 Bundesliga games for Bayer Leverkusen this season. Wirtz was crowned Bundesliga Player of the Season in 2024 as he helped Bayer Leverkusen clinch an incredible league and cup double. Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann believes Wirtz would be making a 'very good step' in his career by joining Liverpool. 'It's not official, but if it's Liverpool, then it'd be a very good step because he can play in his position, a great environment, great club,' Nagelsmann said. 'Bayern wouldn't have been a bad option either. It would've been good to have them (Wirtz and Musiala) playing together, but Jamal and Flo can get on well together even if they're not at the same club. 'The most important thing is that he plays and continues to develop. If he feels that he would be better off at Liverpool, then he has to do it.' More Trending Fellow Premier League clubs Arsenal and Manchester City were also interested in Wirtz before they dropped out of the race for the player. Bayern Leverkusen are thought to be holding out for at least €150million (£125m) for Wirtz. The Reds have set aside between €130m and €150m to bring him to Anfield, with a recent report also claiming a Liverpool player moving in the other direction is being discussed too. Meanwhile, Liverpool have already agreed a deal to sign Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen as they look to strengthen their squad even further and land the Premier League title again next season. MORE: Marcus Rashford drops major hint over his future in emotional message to Aston Villa fans MORE: Five things we learnt from brilliant and unpredictable Premier League season MORE: Barcelona agree deal in principle to sign Arsenal transfer target
