
Anfield Index
·25 May 2025
European Rivals Should be Scared if Reds Pull Off Record-Breaking Wirtz Deal

In partnership with
Yahoo sportsAnfield Index
·25 May 2025
As Liverpool prepare to hoist the Premier League trophy aloft, the club’s focus has already shifted — not to basking in glory, but to reinforcing their dominance. The Reds are plotting a seismic summer move for Florian Wirtz, and according to Lewis Steele of the Daily Mail, the Bayer Leverkusen maestro who, at just 22, is being hailed as the next generational talent out of Germany.
In an era of fiscal restraint, Liverpool’s apparent readiness to smash their transfer record — and potentially the British one — signals something rare: an aggressive, ambitious play from a club often accused of being too prudent. Fenway Sports Group, long criticised for their conservative approach in the market, are backing new boss Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes to build a side that can sustain success — not just achieve it fleetingly.
Wirtz wasn’t just part of Leverkusen’s astonishing unbeaten campaign — he was its beating heart. With 16 goals and 15 assists, the Bundesliga Player of the Season helped deliver a league title, DFB-Pokal triumph and a Europa League final berth. He operated with a poise and ingenuity that belied his years, becoming Xabi Alonso’s most trusted creative outlet.
“Flo gives us the possibility to do special things,” said Alonso — high praise from a man who knows a thing or two about elite midfielders.
Wirtz’s versatility is crucial. Comfortable on either wing, behind the striker or even leading the line, he offers a tactical fluidity that dovetails perfectly with Slot’s fluid, attacking principles. In many ways, he feels like the natural heir to the creative burden left by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure.
The whispers are growing louder that Jeremie Frimpong, Wirtz’s Leverkusen teammate and close friend, could be part of Liverpool’s summer splash. Frimpong — with 5 goals and 12 assists this season — has emerged as one of Europe’s most devastating right wing-backs. His arrival would soften the blow of losing Trent, while bolstering Liverpool’s wide options with pace, flair and final-third productivity.
Manchester City have already cooled interest, balking at the projected £115m+ fee. Bayern Munich have conceded ground too — a rare sight when it comes to Germany’s top talent. Club president Herbert Hainer publicly admitted over the weekend that Wirtz now “leans towards Liverpool.” In Munich, that stings.
Make no mistake: if Liverpool close this deal, it will rattle Europe. Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern had earmarked Wirtz as the continent’s next superstar. Yet it’s the Premier League champions who now stand poised to sign him.
This isn’t just a marquee signing. It’s a long-term investment in the engine room of Liverpool’s next era. Wirtz’s ceiling is as high as that of Jude Bellingham, Lamine Yamal or even Erling Haaland. At 22, he could realistically define the next decade of English football.
In a world where the £54m City paid for Kevin De Bruyne is now regarded as a bargain, Liverpool’s move for Wirtz may come to be seen the same way.
Liverpool aren’t waiting to be caught. They’re building again — from a position of strength. As the champagne dries on the Anfield turf this weekend, a louder message could echo across Europe: Liverpool are here to stay. And with Florian Wirtz in red, the Premier League might just be looking at the next great dynasty.
Live
Live
Live
Live