Liverpool have completed the signing of Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz for a club-record £116 million, making a huge statement in this summer’s transfer window. The 21-year-old German, regarded as one of the most exciting talents in world football, has agreed to a six-year deal at Anfield that will keep him on Merseyside until 2031. Announced on June 24, 2025, the move underlines Liverpool’s ambition under Arne Slot to compete at the top level both in England and Europe.
Wirtz’s signing is a powerful message of intent. Ever since making his Leverkusen debut at 17 in 2020, he has built a reputation for his exceptional vision, dribbling, and eye for goal. Last season, he shone with 18 goals and 20 assists across 49 games, helping Leverkusen win the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double, as well as reaching the Europa League final. Domestically, he created 104 key passes, completed 87 dribbles, and made 2,541 passes into the final third. On the international stage, Wirtz has already earned 24 caps for Germany, scoring four goals, including one at Euro 2024.
Arne Slot’s preferred 4-2-3-1 system, built on movement and quick attacking transitions, suits Wirtz perfectly. Expected to take up the No. 10 role, his versatility also allows him to drift wide or play deeper in midfield, giving Slot a flexible tactical option. The prospect of him teaming up with fellow new arrivals Milos Kerkez (£40m from Bournemouth) and Jeremie Frimpong (£29.5m from Leverkusen), as well as established stars like Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai, is sure to excite Liverpool supporters.
The £116 million transfer surpasses Liverpool’s previous club record of £85 million for Darwin Núñez and also makes Wirtz the most expensive German footballer of all time, overtaking Kai Havertz’s £71 million move to Chelsea. Although Leverkusen had initially been reluctant to sell, they eventually accepted after Wirtz made it clear that Liverpool was his top choice, praising the club’s history and Slot’s tactical vision. Performance-based add-ons — including bonuses for Premier League and Champions League achievements — could further increase the total.
Liverpool successfully beat Bayern Munich and Real Madrid to his signature, with sporting director Richard Hughes and Slot’s personal involvement proving decisive. On social media, fans have hailed the move as a generational signing, seeing Wirtz as a player who can help define a new era at Anfield. Having already spent over £200 million this summer, Liverpool’s intent is clear: they aim to fight for every major trophy, and Wirtz will be under pressure to justify his record-breaking fee with performances that live up to the hype.
