Liverpool are moving ever closer to securing one of the biggest deals of the summer, with a move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz gathering serious pace. A nine-figure fee remains the topic of tense negotiations, but both camps are believed to be close to a full agreement, with a medical potentially taking place as early as next week.
Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg broke the news on X, stating, “Next week, things could move very quickly for Liverpool/Wirtz. A medical is possible. A full agreement is very close.” The post signals a key breakthrough in what has been a prolonged and delicate negotiation process.
⏳🏁 Next week, things could move very quickly for Liverpool/Wirtz. A medical is possible. A full agreement is very close. #LFC 🇩🇪 https://t.co/Snw6DxByzd
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) June 8, 2025
Leverkusen Playing Hardball Over Valuation
Understandably, Bayer Leverkusen are playing their cards carefully. Despite Wirtz having only two years left on his deal, they’re keen to extract maximum value for one of Europe’s most coveted attacking midfielders. Liverpool have already had a third bid worth £113 million rejected, with the Bundesliga side reportedly holding out for around £118 million.
As reported by the Daily Mail’s Lewis Steele, “Bayer Leverkusen are holding out for fee of ~£118million to do a deal and German club are braced for Liverpool’s next offer. Confidence an agreement is very close, Leverkusen haggling over small details and bonuses (achievable or not).”
That confidence is mirrored within Anfield’s corridors of power, where Richard Hughes and the recruitment department are said to be willing to push forward, recognising that a £5 million difference shouldn’t derail such a high-calibre acquisition.
Player Desire and Slot’s Vision Align
Perhaps the most significant factor in this deal is Florian Wirtz’s personal desire to make the move. Having reportedly turned down interest from Bayern Munich, the 21-year-old German international is fully focused on becoming part of Arne Slot’s Premier League title-defending side.
There’s a shared belief at Liverpool that Wirtz will be central to Slot’s long-term tactical plans, with sources close to the club describing him as a potential “offensive figurehead for the next decade.”
His creativity, intelligence on the ball, and goalscoring instinct make him a natural heir to the likes of Mo Salah and Philippe Coutinho in terms of on-field influence. Slot is believed to have given the green light for the club to prioritise Wirtz early in the window, ensuring the player integrates smoothly ahead of a packed 2025/26 schedule.
Closing Stages Expected Next Week
All indications suggest that this deal is entering its final stretch. Leverkusen want their money, Liverpool want their man, and Wirtz wants Anfield. While haggling over performance-related bonuses and add-ons continues, a resolution seems inevitable.
This wouldn’t just be a statement signing in terms of finances, but a declaration of intent from Liverpool, who continue to back Slot following his title-winning debut season.
If final terms are agreed and a medical is completed without hiccups, Florian Wirtz could be unveiled in red before pre-season begins. With both clubs said to be “very close” in valuation and the player firmly set on the move, the clock is ticking on what could be one of the biggest transfers in Premier League history.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
Liverpool fans have every right to be buzzing about this. Wirtz is the kind of player we’ve been dreaming about since Coutinho left. Stylish, fearless, and dripping with class, he’s exactly what we’ve missed in midfield — someone who doesn’t just keep the ball ticking but can genuinely win games on his own.
The fact that he’s turned down Bayern to join us speaks volumes. Players around Europe clearly see what Arne Slot is building and they want in. After lifting the Premier League trophy in his first year, Slot now looks set to add a future Ballon d’Or contender to his ranks.
It’s also refreshing to see Liverpool act with conviction in the market again. If this deal is wrapped up soon, it shows we’re learning from the past — get the big names in early, let them settle, and go again. The £118m might sting now, but if Wirtz delivers anything close to what Salah has over the years, it’ll look like a bargain in hindsight.
The midfield was our Achilles heel just a season ago. Now, with Wirtz potentially joining Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, and Endo, it’s looking like a title-winning engine room again.
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