In a stunning move that has sent waves through the football world, Liverpool FC has completed the signing of German midfielder Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for a club-record and Premier League-record fee. The 22-year-old playmaker has agreed to a five-year contract that runs until 2030, marking one of the most significant transfers in recent football history.
The deal, reportedly worth an initial €125 million (approximately £116 million or $144 million), includes an additional €15 million in achievable add-ons and a further €10 million in more difficult-to-reach bonuses. This transfer not only makes Wirtz the most expensive German player ever but also the most expensive player in Premier League history and the sixth most expensive in the history of football. If all add-ons are met, it could rise to the third most expensive transfer ever recorded.
Florian Wirtz’s journey to Anfield has been nothing short of remarkable. He began his professional career at Bayer Leverkusen, debuting just after his 17th birthday in May 2020, and quickly made a name for himself by becoming the Bundesliga’s youngest goalscorer shortly thereafter. His talent blossomed as he established himself as a key figure in Leverkusen’s lineup, demonstrating exceptional creativity, vision, and goal-scoring ability.
However, his ascent was temporarily halted by a cruciate ligament injury in March 2022, which sidelined him for nearly a year. Undeterred, Wirtz returned to lead Leverkusen to an unprecedented undefeated domestic double in the 2023-24 season, securing both the Bundesliga title and the German Cup. During that campaign, he notched 18 goals and 20 assists in 49 matches, earning Bundesliga Player of the Season honors.
Last season, Wirtz continued his fine form, scoring 16 goals—including six in the Champions League—and providing 15 assists in 45 appearances, helping Leverkusen finish second in the Bundesliga and reach the Champions League round of 16. His performances have also made him a mainstay in the German national team, where he has earned 31 caps and scored seven goals, including playing all five matches at Euro 2024 on home soil.
Wirtz’s move to Liverpool is a significant statement of intent from the Premier League champions, who aim to build on their emphatic 2024-25 title triumph under manager Arne Slot. Liverpool had previously signed Wirtz’s former Leverkusen teammate, right wing-back Jeremie Frimpong, for around €35 million, and the two will reunite at Anfield. The club is also reportedly negotiating the transfer of defender Jarell Quansah to Leverkusen, highlighting a growing partnership between the two clubs.
Wirtz expressed his excitement and pride upon signing, telling Liverpoolfc.com, “I feel very happy and very proud. Finally it’s done and I was waiting for a long time – finally it’s done and I am really happy. I’m really excited to have a new adventure in front of me. This was also a big point of my thoughts: that I want to have something completely new, to go out of the Bundesliga and to join the Premier League.”
He added, “I will see how I can perform there. I hope I can do my best. I spoke also with some players who played there and they told me that it’s perfect for me and every pitch is perfect, you can enjoy every game. I’m really looking forward to playing my first game.”
Wirtz’s ambition is clear as he aims to continue his trophy-winning trajectory at Liverpool, stating, “I would like to win everything every year! First of all, we have to do our work, I have to make my work. In the end, we want to be successful. Last season they won the Premier League so my goal is for sure to win it again and also to go further in the Champions League. I’m really ambitious.”
His arrival offers Liverpool a versatile attacking option. Wirtz is primarily a left-sided attacking midfielder but can operate across the front line, including as a left-winger and central playmaker. His ability to read the game and execute decisive passes has made him one of Europe’s most exciting talents. According to data from the 2024-25 season, only Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku attempted more passes in the attacking third per 90 minutes than Wirtz, underscoring his influence in the final third.
Wirtz’s transfer fee dwarfs Liverpool’s previous record signing of Darwin Núñez, who arrived for €85 million ahead of the 2022-23 season, and marks the club’s biggest outlay on an elite attacking player since the arrivals of goalkeeper Alisson and defender Virgil van Dijk in 2018. The buzz surrounding Wirtz’s signing is reminiscent of the excitement generated by Fernando Torres’ arrival in 2007, a player who quickly became a hero at Anfield.
The transfer saga saw Liverpool fend off competition from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Premier League rivals Manchester City. Wirtz reportedly rejected Bayern’s advances, favoring Liverpool after viewing property in the north west of England. Manchester City, despite initial interest, walked away from negotiations, reportedly finding the deal financially unviable.
For Bayer Leverkusen, Wirtz’s departure signals the start of a major rebuild. Alongside selling Wirtz, the club also lost Jeremie Frimpong and head coach Xabi Alonso, who moved to Real Madrid. New head coach Erik ten Hag now faces the challenge of assembling a squad capable of challenging Bayern Munich’s dominance in Germany.
Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro praised Wirtz’s contribution, stating, “We are very proud of the path he has taken at Bayer 04. Now we have to let him go. We will miss Florian, but part of him will always be connected to Bayer 04. His sporting ability and his irrepressible commitment are an example and inspiration to us to show our full ambition to establish Bayer 04 at the top of German football and always strive to achieve the maximum success.”
Wirtz’s transfer represents a bold step for Liverpool as they look to maintain their status at the summit of English football and make deeper runs in the Champions League. With his blend of creativity, vision, and goal-scoring prowess, Wirtz promises to be a key figure in Liverpool’s quest for sustained success.
As pre-season training begins in July, Liverpool fans eagerly await the debut of their record signing, hopeful that Wirtz will bring new heights to Anfield and help the Reds defend their Premier League crown while chasing European glory.
