Liverpool FC has officially announced the signing of highly-rated German midfielder Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. The 22-year-old playmaker joins the club on a five-year contract in a deal reported to be worth £116 million, including potential add-ons. This transfer fee eclipses the previous British record of £115 million, which Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo.
The move for Wirtz follows weeks of speculation, with Liverpool having shown strong interest in the talented German international. Last season, Wirtz was a standout performer for Bayer Leverkusen, contributing significantly with 10 goals and 12 assists in 25 starts as his team finished as Bundesliga runners-up.
This significant acquisition places Wirtz as the most expensive signing in Premier League history. According to The Athletic, his transfer is now the costliest in the league, following Moses Caicedo, Declan Rice to Arsenal, Enzo Fernandez to Chelsea, and Jack Grealish to Manchester City.
Upon finalizing his move, Florian Wirtz shared his ambition with Liverpool FC. “I feel very happy and very proud. Finally, it’s done, and I was waiting for a long time,” Wirtz stated. “I’m excited to have a new adventure in front of me. This was also a big point of my thoughts: that I want to have something completely new, to go out of the Bundesliga and to join the Premier League.”
He expressed confidence in his decision after speaking with current Premier League players. “I also spoke with some players who played there, and they told me that it’s perfect for me and every pitch is perfect, you can enjoy every game,” he added.
Looking ahead to his time at Anfield, Wirtz conveyed a strong desire for success. “I would like to win everything every year! First of all, we have to do our work, and I have to do my work. In the end, we want to be successful. Last season, Liverpool won the Premier League, so my goal is for sure to win it again and also to go further in the Champions League. I’m ambitious.”
Wirtz, who wore the number 10 at Leverkusen, will aim to replicate his impressive form as he joins his former teammate Jeremie Frimpong, who also recently moved to Anfield. His versatility, being comfortable in central attacking midfield, on the wings, or even up front, will be a valuable asset as Liverpool prepares for the upcoming season under new management.
