Wirtz Close to Anfield Switch as Liverpool Finalise Record Transfer
Deal Structure Nearing Completion
Liverpool’s pursuit of Florian Wirtz is nearing its conclusion, with BILD reporting that personal terms have been agreed between the club and the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder. A five-year contract has already been accepted by the 22-year-old German international, who looks set to become the most expensive player in Premier League history in a deal that could exceed €150 million (£126.7 million).
Despite this progress, negotiations remain ongoing between Liverpool and Leverkusen over the structure of payments, including instalments and potential performance-based clauses. With Arne Slot now firmly in charge at Anfield, Wirtz’s arrival would signal a landmark moment in the club’s continued evolution after Jürgen Klopp’s departure.
Training Fee Adds Complexity
Another key detail in this transfer revolves around the required FIFA training compensation. Under current regulations, five percent of the overall transfer fee must be shared among the clubs involved in the player’s development between the ages of 12 and 23.
Wirtz moved from 1. FC Köln to Bayer Leverkusen in 2020, meaning Köln are in line to receive around €3 million. As BILD outlines, discussions are ongoing as to whether Liverpool or Leverkusen will take responsibility for this payment, or if both clubs will share the cost. While this issue won’t derail the move, it remains one of the final points to be clarified.
Salary Ranks Wirtz Among Club’s Highest Earners
Financially, the deal reflects both Liverpool’s ambition and the player’s stature. Wirtz is expected to earn between €20 and €22 million annually, depending on performance incentives. BILD states: “Liverpool also pays handsomely. But less than would have been possible for Wirtz in Munich.”
Further detail from the same report adds: “He will not rise to become the top earner at the ‘Reds’.” That title still belongs to Mohamed Salah, who recently signed a contract extension until 2027.
“Wirtz will follow behind him in the future. His salary is expected to be between 20 and 22 million euros per year, depending on success.”
It’s a figure that underlines the club’s faith in the player while maintaining internal salary discipline, something that’s been a hallmark of Liverpool’s recruitment in recent years.
Shirt Number and Public Comments
Wirtz has also publicly addressed speculation over his shirt number. After rumours emerged suggesting he was seeking Alexis Mac Allister’s No. 10, the player dismissed them directly on Instagram: “Who says I want the number 10? I respect players. Don’t believe everything that’s written”.
Such clarity from the player hints at a mindset ready for the demands of the Premier League spotlight. Humble, focused, and seemingly well-informed about Liverpool’s dressing room dynamics, Wirtz is already winning over supporters before kicking a ball.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
This feels like the kind of signing that resets the standards. Florian Wirtz isn’t just a headline transfer, he’s the embodiment of ambition, timing, and a clear shift towards the next era under Arne Slot.
There’s little doubt about his talent. He’s been Leverkusen’s creative engine, capable of playing between the lines, carrying the ball, and delivering in big games. Slot will value that intelligence and flair, especially with players like Dominik Szoboszlai and Mac Allister around him.
The salary seems fair for someone of his pedigree, especially considering BILD’s confirmation that “Wirtz will follow behind [Salah] in the future” on the pay scale. Keeping him below Salah ensures the hierarchy remains intact while still showing Wirtz he’s central to the future.
There’s also a lot to admire in his attitude. Brushing off the shirt number rumours with class shows character. Liverpool fans value that kind of humility, play first, talk later.
All eyes now are on when, not if, the deal gets done. If Wirtz arrives and delivers, this could be the moment Liverpool fans look back on as the true start of the post-Klopp era.
