Wirtz has emerged as one of the most talked about soccer talents out there.
It’s getting closer. Liverpool is working to complete the transfer of Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz in a deal that would shatter its transfer record. All seems complete, barring a final few details around payments. Regardless, should it happen, the total sum will hit nine figures, almost certainly entering the top ten most expensive soccer signings ever. Perhaps the top five.
So, why is Liverpool going all out for the Germany international?
He’s Worth It
Wirtz isn’t a youngster who may become a household name one day, nor an established star fast approaching 30 years old. He’s both young, 22, already superb, and will get even better. In today’s climate, teams should expect to pay up for someone like that.
His statistics back up his easy-on-the-eye style—quick feet, drop of the shoulder, you name it. A regular selection for his country, he’s got at least ten goals and assists for Leverkusen these last two campaigns—Mohamed Salah was the other in Europe’s top leagues. The number 10 is almost the complete package.
Liverpool Can
Performing well on the field, Liverpool’s commercial revenue appears to be rising, despite overheads—like player wages and the expanded Anfield stadium’s costs—holding it back a little and leading to a loss in 2023/24. However, a key difference now is having a more cemented place in the lucrative Champions League, with overall finances looking positive.
The Reds also held back in the transfer market last year, presumably sensing a Wirtz-like signing, earmarked before, could be budgeted for and achieved later. He’s a long-term buy, too, an asset whose value will likely plateau or increase.
Recently turned 22, Wirtz is an established senior player for club and country.
Strengthening From Strength
One of the best moments to invest is when you’re on top. Indeed, the Premier League champion may not pull such an upmarket talent when things aren’t going as smoothly, so, from a Liverpool stance, now’s the time to assert authority. And there’s space for growth.
On the road to the title (comfortably sealed ahead of second-placed Arsenal despite both slowing down as the result crystallized), it only accrued two more points than its third-place spot from the previous campaign while falling short in the cups. Ex-Liverpool CEO Peter Moore recently spoke about the virtuous cycle—win, improve, repeat. That’s a good path.
The Adidas Synergy
For Liverpool, it’s convenient that Wirtz represents Adidas. From this summer onward, the same German sports manufacturer will return to the kit after 13 years away—in a partnership reportedly earning Liverpool at least €71 million ($80 million) annually.
If Wirtz excels in an LFC jersey, it will mutually boost Liverpool and Adidas. The playmaker would help market the apparel. And, if Adidas sees enough value, it could feasibly pay the team more down the line, edging closer to rivaling the most lucrative deals on the continent: Real Madrid, Barcelona, etc.
Wirtz’s Quick Adaptation
As with every target, Liverpool will have done tonnes of homework on Wirtz, poring over all the data. For the money it’s offering, it knows Wirtz can play centrally and on the flanks to a high standard, giving coach Arne Slot more tactical flexibility. Beyond the stylistic factors, a decent level of English will help him settle, not to mention a familiar face, newly joined wing-back Jeremie Frimpong, with whom he combined so well at Leverkusen.
Although there’s never a guarantee, Liverpool has cause to be confident about Wirtz.
