Liverpool has confirmed the club-record signing of Bayer Leverkusen forward Florian Wirtz.
The 22-year-old German international is transferring for an initial fee of £100 million, which could rise to £116 million with performance-related incentives.
This figure would exceed the current British transfer record, set when Chelsea paid £115 million to acquire Brighton and Ecuador midfielder Moises Caicedo in 2022.
Wirtz has signed a five-year contract with Liverpool, reportedly earning £200,000 per week.
“I am excited and very proud,” Wirtz expressed on Liverpool’s official website. “At last, it’s official, and I have eagerly waited for this moment for quite some time – everything is in place, and I am truly excited.
“I am truly excited to start this new chapter. This was a major reason for my choice: I wanted a completely new experience, to leave the Bundesliga and step into the Premier League.
“I will work hard to demonstrate my skills there. I hope to give my all. I have also spoken with several players who have played there, and they told me it’s perfect for me, with every pitch being perfect, allowing one to enjoy every match. I can’t wait for my first game.”
He added: “I aim to win everything every year! First and foremost, we need to concentrate on our duties; I must do my part.
Our primary goal is to succeed. After winning the Premier League title last season, my clear goal is to reclaim it and make further progress in the Champions League. My ambitions have no boundaries.
The acquisition of Wirtz sends a powerful message from Liverpool and Arne Slot as they prepare to defend their Premier League title. Wirtz has emerged as one of Europe’s brightest talents in recent years, playing a vital role in Leverkusen’s remarkable invincible domestic double during the 2023-24 season.
He netted 16 goals and provided 15 assists in 45 matches across all competitions last season, helping Leverkusen secure an impressive second-place finish in the Bundesliga, just 13 points behind champions Bayern Munich.
Wirtz made his professional debut with Leverkusen in 2020, having progressed through their academy, and has since made a total of 197 appearances for the club. He has also earned 31 caps for the national team.
Liverpool faced fierce competition for Wirtz’s signature, going head-to-head with German champions Bayern for several months before ultimately outbidding them in the negotiations.
This transfer is just the beginning of Liverpool’s summer plans, with reports suggesting they might break the British transfer record again with a £150m bid for prolific Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.
They are also expected to keep discussions going with Leverkusen, who are keen to sign defender Jarell Quansah.
Liverpool has already secured the signing of Wirtz’s Leverkusen teammate Jeremie Frimpong, along with goalkeepers Giorgi Mamardashvili and Armin Pecsi. Additionally, they have reached a £40m agreement with Bournemouth for left-back Milos Kerkez and are reportedly planning a “significant” offer for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.
