Liverpool shatter club transfer record to sign Germany midfielder Florian Wirtz
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Florian Wirtz has said that he wants to win everything at his new club Liverpool.
PHOTO: REUTERS
LONDON – Florian Wirtz said he wants to win it all at Liverpool after completing a blockbuster move from Bayer Leverkusen on June 20, which could reportedly rise to an English Premier League record fee.
Reports in England said the Premier League champions will pay an initial £100 million (S$173 million) for Wirtz, comfortably surpassing their own record outlay, with a further £16 million in performance-related add-ons making it a British record deal.
However, the German media suggested the fee could be even higher, starting at €130 million (S$192 million) with add-ons taking it to €150 million.
One of European football’s elite young stars, Wirtz has been hailed as one of the “best in the world” by former Leverkusen coach and ex-Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, who is the new boss of Real Madrid.
“I would like to win everything every year!” the 22-year-old told the club’s website.
“In the end, we want to be successful. Last season they won the Premier League, so my goal for sure is to win it again, and also to go further in the Champions League. I’m really ambitious.”
Wirtz played a crucial role in Leverkusen’s greatest season, as they claimed a first-ever Bundesliga title and the German Cup in 2023-24 without losing a single game under Alonso.
Their only defeat that season, during which Wirtz was crowned Bundesliga Player of the Year, came in the Europa League final by Atalanta, denying Leverkusen a memorable treble.
Bayern Munich restored their grip on the German game last season, with Leverkusen a distant second, and Wirtz is joining an exodus from the BayArena. Netherlands defender Jeremie Frimpong has already made the move from Leverkusen to Liverpool.
German football expert Raphael Honigstein told BBC that Wirtz is “more or less the fully formed article” and Liverpool are “buying a superstar” who will “bring a lot of class and poise”.
“He has played for Leverkusen and Germany so knows the demands that are on him, but still, he will have to adjust to the pace of the Premier League and the more physical way,” he said.
“Opponents will try to negate his influence and that might prove a challenge, but he is young enough and good enough. He is not easily intimidated and stands up strong to the challenge.”
He is also reportedly an influential dressing room figure, despite his age.
“Even early in his Bundesliga career, he carried himself like a leader. He’s not the loudest voice in the room, but his presence is felt,” said German football writer Constantin Eckner.
Wirtz’s potential was already evident several years ago.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick, who was in charge of the Germany national team from 2021 to 2023, then called Wirtz the “full package”, adding: “Florian is just a huge asset with his carefree nature.
“He’s simply an outstanding technician, loves to play, is very creative, has a good shot, runs hard and is quick. He’s the full package.”
After largely keeping their powder dry in the transfer market during Arne Slot’s first season in charge, the Reds are splashing out to strengthen a side who romped to a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title.
Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez is poised to make the move to Anfield in a £40 million deal. The 21-year-old caught Liverpool’s eye last season with his fine form for the Cherries, including two goals and five assists in 38 Premier League appearances.
The Reds have also been linked with Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, and Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi.
Where Wirtz fits into Slot’s plans remains to be seen.
He largely played behind a central striker at Leverkusen and has also operated in a wider role for Germany.
A tally of 57 goals and 65 assists in 197 games for Leverkusen shows that he poses a threat both as a creator and a goalscorer.
“The people say I’m a creative player, and I hope I can bring that creativity to the team, along with joy on the pitch,” added Wirtz.
“I try to provide assists, score goals, and work hard defensively for the team. I just hope I can help make the team one step better.” AFP, REUTERS
