Liverpool’s chase for Florian Wirtz just got easier after Manchester City stepped aside.
The Reds have reportedly lodged a firm bid for the Bayer Leverkusen star, but City have now cooled their interest. According to BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel, the overall cost of landing the 22‑year‑old—transfer fee plus wages—could approach €300 million (£253 million), a figure City deem poor value. Pep Guardiola’s club has walked away from big‑money deals before (Kane, Jorginho, de Jong, Maguire, Koulibaly), and Wirtz joins that list. Liverpool, meanwhile, may feel the path is clearer to bring the German playmaker to Anfield.
It’s possible—but far from guaranteed.
What Liverpool would have to swallow
| Cost element | Ball‑park figure | Reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Fee Bayer Leverkusen want | €150 m (£126 m) | Record signing for LFC (almost 2× Núñez) |
| Wirtz’s likely wage jump | £250‑300 k p/w | Would join Salah & van Dijk in the top bracket |
| Five‑year total package* | £240‑260 m | *Fee + wages + agents’ fees + bonuses |
That is Tottenham‑stadium money for one player.
Factors that push Liverpool toward the deal
- Post‑Klopp era statement – Arne Slot and new sporting director Richard Hughes will want a marquee arrival to show continuity of ambition.
- Age & profile – Wirtz turns 22 this month, is home‑grown‑style under UEFA rules (trained in Germany from 15–21), and would cover the left‑eight / right‑ten roles for a decade.
- Competition now lighter – City stepping away removes the richest English rival; Bayern München remain, but they’re juggling a centre‑forward search plus financial limits after Tuchel’s departure.
Forces that pull Liverpool away
- Wage‑bill ceiling – FSG have been strict: Salah’s £350 k p/w was an exception tied to commercial value. Matching that for a newcomer could unsettle the dressing‑room hierarchy.
- Squad priorities – A defensive midfielder and depth at centre‑back may rank higher after Endo’s age and Matip’s exit.
- Profit & Sustainability Rules – Liverpool’s 2023‑24 net spend was modest, but a single £126 m fee would wipe out that cushion unless offset by big sales (Kelleher? Díaz?).
Reading the smoke signals
- Bid reports suggest Liverpool have tested the waters; Leverkusen sources insist no formal offer has landed yet.
- Wirtz’s camp is thought to favour staying under Xabi Alonso for one more season, then moving in 2026 when a €120 m clause reportedly activates.
- Bayern can match the fee but must offload high earners first; if they sell de Ligt or Gnabry, expect them to pounce.
Likelihood scale (summer 2025 window)
- Liverpool pay the full €150 m now: 30 %
- Liverpool strike lower‑fee + add‑ons deal: 15 %
- Deal delayed to 2026 clause: 35 %
- Bayern win the race 2025: 20 %
Bottom line:
Liverpool can afford Wirtz only if they bend their wage structure and sanction at least one major sale. Hughes has shown he’ll engage, but unless Leverkusen soften their stance or Bayern stumble, the smarter money is on Liverpool revisiting the move next summer when the release clause drops—and when the numbers look a lot less eye‑watering.
