Liverpool have officially confirmed the signing of German playmaker Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in a record-breaking £116 million deal. The 22-year-old midfielder completed his medical at the club’s training ground on Friday and has signed a five-year contract that will keep him at Anfield until at least 2030. The transfer includes a guaranteed £100 million payment with an additional £16 million in performance-based add-ons, making Wirtz the most expensive signing in Liverpool’s history. If all clauses are met, the move would also break the British transfer record, surpassing the £107 million Chelsea paid for Enzo Fernandez in 2023.
Wirtz, who scored 57 goals and registered 44 assists in 197 appearances for Leverkusen, is Liverpool’s second major signing of the summer and their second from the Bundesliga runners-up, following the arrival of Dutch right-back Jeremie Frimpong for £29.5 million. Speaking after his unveiling, the ambitious Wirtz said, “I want to win everything every year. That’s the goal. Last season, they won the Premier League, and I want to help do it again—and go further in the Champions League too.” He added that joining the Premier League was a deliberate step outside his comfort zone and a chance to take on a new challenge. “I wanted something completely new. I spoke to players who told me how perfect the league is for someone like me. I’m really excited for my first game.”
Wirtz made his Bundesliga debut at just 17 and quickly rose to prominence. He became the youngest player to score against Bayern Munich and consistently ranked among the league’s best performers. Last season, he was the Bundesliga’s most effective dribbler in both volume and accuracy, mostly playing in a central attacking role. Despite his age, he has long carried the presence of a leader on the pitch. Analysts have described him as mature beyond his years, with German football expert Raphael Honigstein calling him “a fully formed article” and “a superstar in the making.” Fellow Bundesliga commentator Constantin Eckner added, “Even early in his career, he carried himself like a leader. His presence is felt, even if he’s not the loudest.”
Wirtz’s arrival raises intriguing questions about how he will be integrated into Arne Slot’s side. With Liverpool often deploying a 4-2-3-1 formation, his presence in the number 10 role could affect the game time of midfielders like Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister. Slot may also choose to rotate Wirtz on the flanks or even use him as a false nine, a role famously executed by Roberto Firmino. Given the depth in attack with Mohamed Salah, Luis Díaz, Cody Gakpo, Darwin Núñez, and Diogo Jota, Wirtz offers both quality and versatility.
Liverpool’s aggressive move for Wirtz also reflects a shift in their transfer strategy. Last summer’s window was relatively quiet, with minimal signings made during the transition from Jurgen Klopp to Arne Slot. However, Slot still led Liverpool to the Premier League title in his debut campaign, reinforcing the squad’s strength. This time around, the club is acting early and decisively. Sporting director Richard Hughes, now in his first full summer at the helm, is overseeing a more proactive recruitment drive. The club is currently in talks to sign Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez for £40 million and are reportedly targeting a centre-back and striker before the window closes.
Florian Wirtz’s arrival marks a bold statement of intent from Liverpool. With youth, vision, and elite experience already under his belt, he joins with the ambition to win—and the qualities to make a significant impact at Anfield.