Liverpool Fans Left Waiting as Wirtz Deal Remains Incomplete | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Pursuit of Wirtz Hits Stalemate Despite Clear Intentions

Wirtz Deal Has Captivated Liverpool Fans but Remains Incomplete

Liverpool’s chase for Florian Wirtz has dominated the summer narrative at Anfield. Touted as one of Europe’s most electrifying midfielders, Wirtz’s name has been inked into headlines for weeks, and yet, no signature has graced the dotted line. The German international’s intent is clear — he wants Liverpool, having rejected overtures from both Bayern Munich and Manchester City. However, that mutual desire is yet to manifest in an agreement between the Reds and Bayer Leverkusen.

Earlier this week, reports surfaced claiming a £126 million bid had been accepted. Liverpool fans, starved of clarity and eager for a marquee signing under Arne Slot’s new era, had reason to celebrate. But those celebrations were premature. According to Liverpool ECHO journalist Ian Doyle, Liverpool sources have ‘dismissed’ the claims as ‘premature’. Bayer Leverkusen sources echoed that position, suggesting this much-anticipated move remains some distance from completion.

Anfield’s Bid and Leverkusen’s Stance

Doyle’s report also revealed that Liverpool’s highest bid thus far stands at £114 million. While that offer was never ‘formally rejected’, it acted as a ‘catalyst’ to initiate negotiations. That spark, though, has not yet grown into a flame. The financial gap between the clubs remains, and for all of Liverpool’s interest, they are yet to meet the valuation that would break the deadlock.

Photo by IMAGO

It’s a fine balance between showing strength in negotiations and missing out on a transformative player. Wirtz, still just 22, is viewed by many as a generational talent. If Liverpool truly see him as the beating heart of their midfield evolution, they may need to set a new club-record transfer fee to seal the deal.

Pressure Mounts Ahead of 16 June Window

With the transfer unable to be confirmed until 16 June, there’s still time. But patience is beginning to thin among supporters. Liverpool remain the only club actively in the running for Wirtz, which might give them leverage, yet it also exposes them if the deal collapses. Manchester City have already wrapped up a move for Rayan Cherki, and with Liverpool’s budget now public knowledge, rivals will smell blood if Wirtz falls through.

Club-Record Fee May Be Unavoidable

Should the transfer go ahead, it will eclipse the £71.9 million Liverpool paid for Darwin Núñez, currently the most expensive signing in the club’s history. Van Dijk (£71.6m) and Szoboszlai (£59.2m) follow closely behind. The Wirtz deal would raise the bar not just financially, but symbolically — a statement of intent from Liverpool’s new regime.

Now, with all terms agreed except the final fee, it is up to Liverpool to decide whether to push this over the line or risk watching another generational talent escape their grasp.