Liverpool make early move for Florian Wirtz in summer transfer plans

Liverpool have made initial contact with Bayer Leverkusen regarding a potential move for attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz.

The highly-rated Germany international has emerged as a key target for incoming head coach Arne Slot, as the newly crowned Premier League champions begin preparations for next season.

Talks over Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong also included discussions about Wirtz, with Liverpool expressing their strong interest in the 22-year-old during negotiations.

Although formal talks are yet to begin, they are expected to follow soon.

Leverkusen value Wirtz at over £120 million—a fee that would surpass the British transfer record of £107 million, which Chelsea paid for Enzo Fernandez in 2023.

Whether Liverpool are prepared to meet that valuation remains uncertain.

However, they have received positive signals that Wirtz is open to a move to Anfield, with reports in Germany suggesting he favours Liverpool over Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

Earlier this week, BBC Sport reported that Manchester City have dropped out of the race to sign Wirtz, leaving Liverpool and Bayern as the leading contenders.

Speaking to the BBC, Liverpool manager Arne Slot stressed the importance of bolstering the squad ahead of next season.

“We’d be stupid not to strengthen,” Slot said. “There aren’t many players who can improve us, but for the few that can—we’ll do everything we can to bring them in. Right now, we’re not sure if it will be possible.”