Florian Wirtz joins Liverpool in £116m deal from Bayer Leverkusen | OneFootball

Florian Wirtz Joins Liverpool in Record-Breaking £116m Deal

Liverpool have made their biggest move in the transfer market to date, officially unveiling German international Florian Wirtz as their newest signing. After weeks of speculation and negotiations, the 22-year-old playmaker has completed a headline-making £116 million transfer from Bayer Leverkusen to the reigning Premier League champions.

This isn’t just a signing. It’s a statement.

Wirtz Makes History with Record Fee

Wirtz’s transfer smashes Liverpool’s previous record outlay and could also eclipse the British transfer record, currently held by Moises Caicedo’s £115 million switch to Chelsea. The deal consists of an initial £100 million, with an additional £16 million in performance-related bonuses.

Liverpool’s previous record signing, Darwin Núñez, arrived from Benfica in 2022 for £85 million. But this time, the Reds went bigger, backed by ambition and a clear vision under Arne Slot, who replaced Jürgen Klopp at the helm in May 2024.

The deal was wrapped up swiftly. Wirtz landed in the UK on Thursday, passed his medical, signed his contract, and fulfilled his media duties at the AXA Training Centre in Kirkby.

New Chapter for Wirtz and Liverpool

Wirtz’s comments make it clear that this move is about more than money. It’s about growth, challenge and belief.

“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,” Wirtz told the club’s official website.

“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.”

“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.”

The long-term contract ties him to Liverpool until 2030, reportedly on £200,000 a week. It’s a sign of the club’s faith in his ability and the role they expect him to play moving forward.

Versatility and Vision on the Pitch

Wirtz has spent the last five-and-a-half seasons at Bayer Leverkusen, developing into one of Europe’s most promising midfielders. He made his Bundesliga debut at just 17 years old, scoring against Bayern Munich shortly after. Since then, he’s gone on to become a regular starter for both club and country.

Last season, he played a vital role in Leverkusen’s domestic double-winning campaign and helped guide them to the Europa League final. Even though the club couldn’t repeat that success this year, Wirtz still delivered on the Champions League stage, netting six times in nine appearances.

Comfortable as a central attacking midfielder, Wirtz’s ability to operate on either flank or even up front will be a massive asset to Arne Slot’s tactical plans. His creativity, composure and intelligence will complement Liverpool’s existing core, and his relationship with Jeremie Frimpong, who also joined from Leverkusen, adds chemistry to the dressing room from day one.

Photo: @LFC

Wirtz has already made 31 appearances for Germany, scoring seven goals, including a pair at Euro 2024. He’s arriving at Anfield as a player ready for the highest level, with the hunger to win.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Liverpool’s Summer Rebuild Gains Momentum

Wirtz is Liverpool’s third signing this summer, following the arrivals of Jeremie Frimpong and young Hungarian goalkeeper Armin Pecsi. A £40 million move for Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez is expected to be finalised shortly.

Wirtz’s shirt number has yet to be revealed, though speculation is rife. While he wore the No. 10 shirt at Leverkusen, that number is currently held by Alexis Mac Allister. However, No. 27, a number he has worn in the past, is currently unoccupied.

His first appearance could come in pre-season, with the squad reconvening in July. Fans won’t have to wait long to see Liverpool’s new record signing in action.

Wirtz isn’t just another addition to the squad. He’s the symbol of a new era under Arne Slot, one where Liverpool aim to build on success and push even harder. The club have set their sights high, and in Florian Wirtz, they’ve landed a player who shares that vision and brings the talent to match it.