Liverpool to 'break the bank' for Bayer Leverkusen sensational midfielder

Liverpool are reportedly ready to make a “big move” in the transfer window as it seeks to “break the bank” for Bayer Leverkusen’s sensational midfielder Florian Wirtz in the summer.

According to Paul Joyce of The Times, the Reds are showing “strong interest” in the 22-year-old Bayer Leverkusen attacker, but there are fears that Bayern Munich have moved ahead to sign him.

The two European clubs are likely to engage in a transfer battle after Manchester City pulled the plug on engaging the German midfielder’s services.

The 22-year-old is seen as one of the top attacking midfield talents in Europe, who has caught the world by surprise in the Bundesliga at the BayArena. Wirtz has two years left on his current contract, but is expected to leave in the upcoming transfer window.

Leverkusen are said to have placed a huge price tag of £126.3 million (€150) on Wirtz.

Florian Wirtz playing for Bayern Leverkusen — The 22-year-old is seen as one of the top attacking midfield talents in Europe(Image credit: Getty Images)

However, Bayern are reportedly favourites to sign him, as Liverpool also continue to pursue the German international ahead of a “big summer” at Anfield.

The Reds would have to pay more than the club-record £75 million they spent on signing Virgil van Dijk from Southampton in 2018. to complete the deal.

Meeting Leverkusen’s valuation will also mean breaking the Premier League’s transfer record set by Chelsea when they signed Moises Caicedo for £115m two years ago.

Wirtz is highly sought after due to his versatile attacking prowess. He can play in attacking midfield, as a false nine, and out wide.

Wirtz played a pivotal part in Xabi Alonso’s side that won the Bundesliga title unbeaten in the 2023/24 campaign, scoring 11 goals and 12 assists.

Liverpool’s interest was made known after Bayern’s president Uli Hoeness, claimed that his entourage were in Merseyside despite previous reports of a meeting with Manchester City.

Despite the links, Arne Slot’s side denied any move in that respect, but they are keen on winning the race for one of German football’s most exciting talents.

Meanwhile, Wirtz’s teammate Jeremie Frimpong is nearing becoming the club’s first summer signing, having undergone a medical ahead of a move to Anfield. The newly-crowned Premier League champions triggered the £30m release clause in his Leverkusen contract.

In the 2024/25 season, Wirtz has made 31 appearances, scoring 10 goals and providing 12 assists in the process.