Liverpool have reached an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz, outmaneuvering Bayern Munich that has stunned German football.
The Reds have agreed personal terms with the 22-year-old German international, who has chosen Anfield over a more lucrative offer from Bayern, according to German outlet BILD.
The transfer, which could be finalized before the summer window’s brief pause on June 10, marks a bold statement from Liverpool as they navigate the early stages of the transfer market, opened on June 1 to accommodate the expanded Club World Cup.
Leverkusen have set a €150 million valuation on their talisman, but reports from journalist Ben Jacobs indicate they are willing to compromise at around €142.5 million. Liverpool’s latest bid of €130 million was rejected, though negotiations continue with optimism that a deal is imminent.
“It was a bitter blow for Bayern’s leadership to miss out on Wirtz,” said BILD’s Christian Falk. “Bayern offered him a higher salary, around €24 million per year, compared to the €20-22 million he’ll earn at Liverpool.
“For a German star to reject Bayern, especially when money wasn’t the deciding factor, is unprecedented and a tough pill to swallow.”
Bayern, who rarely lose out on top German talent, had been favorites to sign Wirtz until Liverpool’s decisive move. Manchester City had also been in the race but withdrew in May due to the high costs, leaving the Reds to battle Bayern.
On May 23, Wirtz informed both Bayern and Leverkusen of his decision to join Liverpool, a choice that has reverberated across European football.
“Bayern are not used to this,” Falk added. “They’ve lost out on foreign stars like Erling Haaland or Jude Bellingham before, but for a German player to choose Liverpool over them is a first.”
Leverkusen, while reluctant to lose their star, have signaled flexibility. “They won’t block Wirtz’s move if the price is right,” Jacobs noted, suggesting a deal could be finalized soon. Liverpool’s persistence has been key, with the club submitting multiple bids since May 26, the latest being a €130 million package with add-ons.
Meanwhile, Leverkusen’s official X account posted on June 5, praising Wirtz’s contributions but remaining silent on the transfer, fueling speculation that a deal is close.
Liverpool have also moved to protect their squad, rejecting any potential exits for wingers Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz, despite interest from Bayern, who have shifted focus to other targets like AC Milan’s Rafael Leao.
The Reds’ swift action in the market underscores their ambition to build around young talents like Wirtz, who is expected to shatter transfer records upon completion.
With the transfer window set to close temporarily on June 10 before reopening on June 16 until September 1, Liverpool are racing against time to wrap up the deal. If successful, Wirtz’s arrival could redefine their midfield and signal a new era at Anfield.
