Florian Wirtz Joins Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in Record Deal

Florian Wirtz is leaving Bayer Leverkusen to join Liverpool in a deal worth up to £116 million. Leverkusen’s director, Simon Rolfes, wrote a heartfelt farewell, highlighting the importance of this move for both Wirtz and the club.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Leverkusen announced that Wirtz, their creative star, is leaving after leading the team to a historic Bundesliga title. Liverpool signed him on a five-year contract, beating out Bayern Munich and Manchester City. This transfer, Liverpool’s record, includes an initial £100 million and £16 million in bonuses. Wirtz scored 57 goals and made 65 assists in 197 games for Leverkusen, playing a crucial role in their unbeaten league season. At Liverpool, he’ll reunite with Jeremie Frimpong, his former teammate who joined earlier this summer.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Signing Wirtz is a big win for Liverpool, now Premier League champions after a strong 2024/25 season. The Reds have improved their squad to defend the league title and advance further in the Champions League. Wirtz, 22, is considered one of Europe’s top young playmakers. His move also ends a remarkable era for Leverkusen, who finished the Bundesliga unbeaten and won their first-ever German title. Wirtz’s creativity and leadership were key to this success, and his departure leaves a major gap in the team.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Wirtz will join his new Liverpool teammates in July for pre-season under manager Arne Slot. Liverpool’s first official match of the new season is the Community Shield against Manchester City, last year’s runners-up, before the Premier League campaign begins. Liverpool aims to stay at the top, with Wirtz expected to play a key role. For Leverkusen, who finished seven points ahead of Bayern Munich, the challenge is to replace Wirtz’s creativity as they prepare for the new Bundesliga season and Champions League play.