🔁 Liverpool’s Wirtz Deal May Include a Player Swap – Talks Enter Final Stage
A leading German outlet has reiterated that the structure of Liverpool’s proposed deal for Florian Wirtz may differ significantly from public reports, suggesting a player could be included to finalize the transfer.
Florian Wirtz has reportedly agreed personal terms with Liverpool, choosing them over Bayern Munich. As part of the agreement, he has been promised the No. 10 role at Anfield, a key factor in his decision.
Liverpool’s initial bid exceeded €100 million, but Bayer Leverkusen value their star playmaker at closer to €150 million. Unsurprisingly, the opening offer fell short. Trusted sources like Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein later reported that Liverpool had increased their bid to €130 million.
Even with the improved offer, Leverkusen are still holding out, but negotiations are progressing positively. Most insiders now believe an agreement on the fee and payment terms is only a matter of time.
⚖️ Player Swap Consideration
Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has emphasized a different twist: Leverkusen and Liverpool are exploring a deal that may involve a Liverpool player being sent the other way. This would either supplement the €130 million fee or potentially reduce the cash payment required.
Plettenberg previously revealed (on May 24) that Leverkusen were looking for reinforcements in four key areas:
- Goalkeeper
- Centre-back
- No. 10 (Wirtz’s replacement)
- Striker
A recent update from Plettenberg confirms that the idea of including a player remains on the table. Talks are said to be “just days away” from reaching a conclusion. Wirtz is currently with the German national team, awaiting the green light for his medical.
🔍 Who Could Be Included?
Some Liverpool players linked to a possible switch include:
- Harvey Elliott – a natural No. 10 who could replace Wirtz in Leverkusen’s system. Reports suggest he may lose his place in the squad if Wirtz arrives.
- Jarell Quansah – a young centre-back Liverpool might be open to offloading.
- Darwin Núñez – while not likely headed to Leverkusen (Saudi clubs are favored suitors), his sale could shape Liverpool’s transfer budget.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is likely ruled out since Leverkusen are reportedly close to signing Mark Flekken from Brentford, and Kelleher may join Brentford in turn.
🧩 Deal Dynamics
Whether a player will be added in addition to or instead of part of the €130 million remains unclear. However, it’s evident that both clubs are actively considering a hybrid cash-plus-player deal.
In short: a blockbuster transfer is nearing completion, and it might involve more than just money.
