Liverpool’s new £116 million signing Florian Wirtz, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen, is already settling into his new surroundings at Anfield. On June 25, 2025, the 21-year-old German playmaker was spotted training at the AXA Training Centre as he gears up for the 2025/26 campaign. Breaking Liverpool’s previous transfer record of £85 million for Darwin Núñez, Wirtz is already bonding with teammates under manager Arne Slot, signaling a key moment in the club’s summer rebuild.
Widely hailed as a generational talent, Wirtz traveled to Merseyside this week after completing his medical and signing a six-year contract through 2031. Early sessions have impressed the coaching staff and squad alike, with reports praising his sharpness and effortless skill. Last season, Wirtz notched 18 goals and 20 assists in 49 games for Leverkusen, alongside 104 key passes and 87 successful dribbles in the Bundesliga, underlining his potential to boost Liverpool’s attack. Comfortable as a No. 10, winger, or deeper playmaker, Wirtz fits perfectly into Slot’s fluid 4-2-3-1 setup, built around creativity and aggressive pressing.
The young German has already been seen working closely with compatriot Dominik Szoboszlai and new signing Jeremie Frimpong, his former teammate at Leverkusen. Training exercises have focused on developing chemistry with Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, teasing the emergence of a dangerous new attacking trio. Slot has tailored training sessions to capitalize on Wirtz’s intelligence and movement, with Wirtz already impressing in practice matches by setting up goals. Off the pitch, he’s also won fans over by visiting Anfield and praising the Kop’s legendary atmosphere, saying it’s an experience he can’t wait to have.
Liverpool beat out Bayern Munich and Real Madrid to secure Wirtz, with Slot’s personal vision and the club’s ambitions playing a big role in his decision. The £116 million deal — the most ever paid for a German player — also includes add-ons tied to success in the Premier League and Champions League, underlining the club’s faith in his immediate impact. Alongside signings like Milos Kerkez (£40m) and Jeremie Frimpong (£29.5m), Liverpool’s spending this summer now exceeds £200 million, making a strong statement of their intent to defend their league title and challenge on the European stage.
Supporters are thrilled at the prospect of seeing Wirtz in action, with crowds gathering outside the training ground to catch a glimpse of their new star. But with the record-breaking price comes high expectations, and comparisons to Anfield legends like Steven Gerrard have already begun. With pre-season approaching, Wirtz’s smooth integration into the squad marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Liverpool as they prepare to unleash him on England and Europe.