Liverpool could be closing in on a major transfer coup after a remarkable day in the hunt for Florian Wirtz.
As reported by Liverpool.com, the Reds have made initial contact with Bayer Leverkusen after reports in Germany suggested that Wirtz had told Bayern Munich – originally thought to be his most likely destination – that he wants to move to the Premier League.
Although it still can’t be ruled out that the 22-year-old stays put at his current club for another season, Liverpool does now look to be at the front of the queue for his signature, and the latest suggestion is that he might not be far away from securing a move to Anfield.
According to Fabrizio Romano, a contract has been agreed with the German international after he informed Bayer Leverkusen of his desire to join Liverpool. What’s more, it’s claimed that Wirtz “only” wants a move to Merseyside now, which may rule out a late play from Bayern.
Talks between Liverpool and Leverkusen are said to already be underway, with the Reds confident of getting a deal done soon. How long it will take is not yet clear, although Romano claims it won’t be a drawn-out process.
That will be music to the ears of Liverpool fans, who have been growing more and more excited after what has been a whirlwind few days in the race for Wirtz’s signature.
(Image: TOBIAS SCHWARZ/AFP via Getty Images)
The pursuit took an unexpected turn earlier this week when Manchester City dropped out of the race, seemingly clearing the way for Liverpool if Wirtz had his heart set on a move to the Premier League, which now looks to be the case.
And according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Bayern has already begun looking at alternatives, with Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma and AC Milan’s Rafael Leao being targeted.
Wirtz is said to be valued at around $169 million (£126 million) by Bayer Leverkusen, however Liverpool could negotiate a smaller up front fee with realistic add-ons on top.
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It is thought that Leverkusen would be more willing to let Wirtz leave for a club abroad rather than selling to a direct rival. Bayern Munich finished one place and 13 points ahead of Xabi Alonso’s men this season.
And Wirtz doesn’t look to be the only Leverkusen star making the move to Liverpool this summer. Jeremie Frimpong is already said to have signed a contract with the Reds after undergoing a medical this week, with an announcement all that’s left to be made.
Liverpool.com says: It’s all getting very exciting, isn’t it? And it’s not just the fact that Liverpool is seemingly making signings early, and not sitting on its hands after winning the Premier League title.
It’s the caliber of signing that’s being made that is really thrilling. Wirtz would be a major coup for the Reds, and the perfect addition as the club looks to assert its dominance. Fingers crossed the deal gets done.
