Official: Florian Wirtz Joins Liverpool in Record-Breaking £116M Deal
Liverpool have completed the marquee signing of the summer, announcing the arrival of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for a club-record £116 million. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder, long considered one of the world’s most exciting young talents, has signed a six-year deal that will keep him at Anfield until 2031.
Unveiled on June 24, 2025, Wirtz’s transfer marks a significant statement of intent by Arne Slot and signals Liverpool’s ambition to reclaim dominance in England and Europe.
A Generational Talent Arrives
Wirtz’s rise has been meteoric. Debuting for Leverkusen at just 17, he quickly established himself as a creative force with an eye for goal. Last season, he tallied 18 goals and 20 assists in 49 matches, driving Leverkusen to a historic Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double while helping them reach the Europa League final.
His Bundesliga numbers were staggering:
- 104 key passes
- 87 completed dribbles
- 2,541 passes into the final third
On the international stage, Wirtz has already earned 24 caps for Germany, scoring four times—including a crucial goal at Euro 2024.
Tactical Fit Under Arne Slot
Wirtz is expected to become the creative hub of Slot’s 4-2-3-1 system, operating primarily as a No. 10 but capable of shifting wide or deeper to adapt to tactical needs. His arrival enhances Liverpool’s attacking depth, with the German forming what could be a fearsome quartet alongside Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, and new full-back Jeremie Frimpong—his former Leverkusen teammate.
The club has also signed Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth for £40 million, further highlighting their proactive approach to squad building under the Slot era.
A Deal of Historic Proportions
The £116 million fee surpasses Liverpool’s previous record signing of Darwin Núñez (£85M) and makes Wirtz the most expensive German footballer ever, eclipsing Kai Havertz’s £71M move to Chelsea in 2020.
Leverkusen were initially reluctant to part ways with their star, but Wirtz’s desire to join Liverpool proved pivotal. According to reports, the player was convinced by the club’s vision, the pull of Anfield, and personal discussions with Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes.
The deal includes performance-based add-ons tied to Premier League titles, Champions League progression, and individual accolades.
Fan Reaction and Expectations
The announcement has set social media ablaze. On X (formerly Twitter), supporters are hailing Wirtz as a “generational talent” and a potential successor to the creative mantle once held by Steven Gerrard and Philippe Coutinho.
But with the acclaim comes expectation. Wirtz now carries the weight of a historic price tag and the hopes of a fanbase hungry for silverware. If his early form at Melwood is any indication—where he’s reportedly already impressing teammates in training—he’s ready for the challenge.
With over £200 million spent already this summer, Liverpool are clearly not just rebuilding—they’re reloading for another title charge.
