In a sensational twist to the summer transfer saga, Bayer Leverkusen have rejected Liverpool’s £109 million bid for their midfield maestro, Florian Wirtz, insisting on a staggering £126 million fee that would set a new British transfer record. The German club is reportedly open to negotiations if Liverpool includes one of their own rising stars in the deal.
Leverkusen’s interest centers on Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott and Jarell Quansah. Elliott, despite his limited starting opportunities last season, has shown flashes of brilliance, while Quansah’s defensive prowess has not gone unnoticed. Leverkusen sees potential in both players to bolster their squad, especially with the recent departure of Jonathan Tah to Bayern Munich.
Florian Wirtz, the 22-year-old German international, has been a revelation, contributing significantly to Leverkusen’s historic undefeated domestic double in the 2023/24 season. With 57 goals and 65 assists in 196 matches, his creativity and vision have made him one of Europe’s most sought-after talents. Wirtz has already agreed on personal terms with Liverpool, expressing a strong desire to join the Merseyside club.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Wirtz is part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate their squad under new head coach Arne Slot. The club has already secured Jeremie Frimpong from Leverkusen for £29.5 million, following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid. Additionally, Liverpool is eyeing Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez and Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon to strengthen their ranks.
The potential inclusion of Elliott or Quansah in the Wirtz deal presents a challenging decision for Liverpool. Both players are considered valuable assets for the club’s future, and their departure could be a significant loss. However, securing Wirtz’s signature could provide the creative spark Liverpool has been seeking since Philippe Coutinho’s departure.
As negotiations continue, the football world watches closely to see if Liverpool can finalize a deal that would not only break records but also reshape their midfield for years to come.
