Liverpool reach verbal agreement for Florian Wirtz: German star lined up for Premier League move

Agreement reached with Leverkusen

Fabrizio Romano reports that Liverpool have reached a verbal agreement in principle to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. The transfer, valued at up to €150 million including performance-based add-ons, is set to be one of the marquee moves of the summer window. Wirtz is expected to undergo a medical before finalising his long-term contract.

Contract and wage structure

Sports Illustrated reports that Wirtz is expected to earn up to £355,000 per week. When assessed alongside Capology's wage data, this figure places him nearly on par with Mohamed Salah—currently Liverpool’s top earner.

Slot’s tactical blueprint

In Arne Slot’s first season, only Federico Chiesa and Giorgi Mamardashvili were signed. Although Mamardashvili was technically a new acquisition, he remained on loan at Valencia for the entire season—leaving Chiesa as the only addition to join the squad. Even so, Chiesa failed to make a meaningful impact, playing fewer than 500 minutes throughout the campaign. Now, with Jeremie Frimpong already secured and Florian Wirtz next in line, the picture is beginning to shift significantly.

Stellar 2024/25 campaign

Wirtz joins Liverpool following a season in which he consistently dictated games for Bayer Leverkusen—a campaign marked by both dominance and composure. Following his pivotal role in their invincible Bundesliga title run in 2023/24, the 22-year-old produced 16 goals and 15 assists across 45 appearances in all competitions during the 2024/25 season. That level of productivity has firmly established him among the continent’s elite attacking midfielders.

Player profile: technical strengths and development needs

Creative nucleus

At 177 cm, Wirtz thrives in tight pockets between opposition lines, crafting openings through sharp passing, clever movement and instant shifts in play direction. He plays with dual responsibility in possession phases—both demanding the ball and dictating tempo with precision.

Elite decision-making

Wirtz’s hallmark lies in his rapid judgment: within a second of receiving the ball, he either dribbles, passes, shoots or surges forward—never disrupting rhythm. His execution matches his thought speed, making him exceptionally difficult to neutralise.

Spatial and temporal mastery

He excels in exploiting the half-spaces between midfield and defence, often positioning himself two steps ahead of his marker. This awareness allows him to receive cleanly and progress play with one or two measured touches.

Threat around the penalty area

Just outside the box, Wirtz evaluates whether to pass or shoot with remarkable sharpness. His finishing exceeds that of a typical number 10, and his ability to use both feet—particularly his left—adds layers to his shot profile.

Calm under pressure

Pressed by one or even two defenders, Wirtz maintains composure. He resists panic and typically finds the best passing lane or escape route, showcasing a level of maturity rare for his age group.

Key strengths

• Outstanding dribbling in congested zones

• Elite playmaking vision and execution

• Consistent threat with key passes and assists

• Intelligent off-ball positioning

• Exceptional football IQ and quick decision-making

• Balanced offensive output (goals + creativity)

Areas for improvement

• Defensive work rate varies—tends to stay in advanced positions rather than tracking deep.

• Can struggle in physical duels against more robust opponents.

Most expensive Premier League transfers to date

Enzo Fernández, an Argentine central midfielder, joined Chelsea from Benfica for €121.00 million during the 2022/23 season, when he was 22 years old.

Jack Grealish, an English left winger, transferred to Manchester City from Aston Villa for €117.50 million in the 2021/22 season, at the age of 25.

Declan Rice, an English central midfielder, moved to Arsenal from West Ham United for €116.60 million during the 2024/25 season, when he was 24 years old.

Moisés Caicedo, an Ecuadorian central midfielder, signed for Chelsea from Brighton for €116.00 million in the 2023/24 season, at the age of 21.

Romelu Lukaku, a Belgian striker, rejoined Chelsea from Inter for €113.00 million during the 2021/22 season, when he was 28 years old.

If finalised, Florian Wirtz’s transfer would make the 22-year-old the most expensive signing in Premier League history.