Exclusive: Wirtz and Kerkez Liverpool Transfers “99% Done” Reveals Lewis Steele | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Summer Intent: Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez Transfers Nearing Completion

Transfer Momentum Builds Under Arne Slot

On the latest episode of Media Matters for Anfield Index, hosted by Dave Davis, Daily Mail journalist Lewis Steele provided fresh clarity on Liverpool’s transfer dealings, particularly around two rising stars: Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez. Broadcasting live from Munich ahead of the Nations League clash between Germany and Portugal, Steele delivered candid updates that suggest both moves are edging towards completion.

Discussing the Wirtz situation, Steele was unequivocal: “The word that I had from two different people was 99% done.” He tempered expectations slightly by adding, “From the Liverpool end, I think it’s maybe not quite 99% because they do have to agree a fee, but it’s certainly heading in the direction of signing for Liverpool.”

Wirtz Deal Sparks Surprise and Excitement in Germany

Liverpool’s near-capture of Florian Wirtz has raised eyebrows in Germany. “I spoke to a guy who works at Bild, the big German newspaper,” said Steele. “He was saying he’s very surprised that he’s going to Liverpool because it seemed obvious for two or three years that he was going to go to Bayern.” The perception shift appears widespread, with Steele recounting his chat with local fans: “A lot of them said, ‘We’re a bit gutted that he’s leaving Germany’… but also glad he’s not going to Bayern.”

For many, Wirtz represents a generational talent. The sentiment in Germany seems torn between national pride and admiration for the player challenging himself abroad — and Liverpool stand to benefit.

Bournemouth’s Stance on Kerkez: “They Will Dig In”

Steele also addressed Milos Kerkez, the promising left-back from Bournemouth. “Bournemouth still want their £45 million and they will dig in for it,” he explained. However, there is a sense of flexibility: “There was a bit of a realisation on their part that they might have to shake hands at £40m with some decent add-ons.”

Though not quite at Wirtz levels of finality, Steele suggested Liverpool’s interest is just as serious: “It’s not even a saga. It’s just a when, not if, it’ll happen… I think Kerkez will be a Liverpool player soon.”

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Wider Window Strategy and Diaz Speculation

Beyond the headline names, Steele revealed that Luis Díaz’s future is under scrutiny. “I think the state of play is that Liverpool don’t want to sell him,” he said. “He definitely wants a new contract… but I don’t think Liverpool are going to offer him anytime soon.” That said, a transfer seems unlikely: “I’ll be surprised if he’s not in a Liverpool shirt next season.”

He was also asked about potential interest in Cody Gakpo: “Yeah, it’s true. They do like Cody Gakpo… but I’d be very, very, very surprised if he does go.” This sentiment reinforces Liverpool’s approach: calculated, patient, and deeply considered.

Title Ambitions and Future Plans

With Arne Slot at the helm, expectations are gradually recalibrating. Steele said, “Liverpool will have to go into next season with title ambitions. It’s going to be different.” His standout performance of the season? “The win at the Etihad… that was probably the one that I thought, wow, this team means business.”

On positional targets, Steele would personally push for a forward: “I’d be signing a number nine… even when Liverpool won, they didn’t blow teams away.” There is also intent to reinforce in defence: “A defender as well, just as a little long-term Virgil replacement.”

Looking Ahead

Both Steele and Davis agreed: these are calculated, proactive moves under new management. Deals for Wirtz and Kerkez may not be finalised by the 10th of June cut-off, but as Steele noted, “If it doesn’t happen, don’t worry because it will happen.”

With Liverpool’s recruitment strategy clearer than ever, fans have plenty to be excited about, and based on this podcast, the club’s trajectory under Arne Slot may very well be aligned with a return to the summit of English and European football.