Liverpool hopes to take out a deal for Bayer Leverkusen -star Florian Wirtz, but has so far not been able to agree with the German club, which the Reds have quoted around £ 126 million
Former Bayer Leverkusen -Chef Rudi Voller has admitted that Florian Wirtz wants to join Liverpool, but warned the Reds that the move could “last a while”. Arne Slot has identified Wirtz as his number one target this summer, but the German side demands around £ 126 million.
Wirtz is one of the most popular properties in Europe after blinding in the Bundesliga in the past seasons and registered 16 goals and 13 assists in all competitions this season when Leverkusen finished second.
Liverpool has already seen two bids that have been rejected by Leverkusen for Wirtz, with conversations, and it is expected that an agreement will eventually be affected after Manchester City and Bayern Munich withdraw from the race for the 22-year-old.
Wirtz teased that he wanted to become a member of Liverpool this week after he had been asked by a reporter if he was “excited” to move to Anfield. The Germany star just nodded with his head while he added fuel to the fire.
Now Germany Legend Voller – who left his role as sports director of Bayer Leverkusen in 2022 after 17 years – has given insight into the discussions after 17 years.
Voller, who also played the same role at the club for four years between 1996 and 2000 for a short period as a manager, believes that Wirtz would like to make Liverpool and thinks it will eventually continue. But he warned Slot and Co the transfer could take some time.
“It is no secret that he would like to go to Liverpool. I know the clubs are negotiating with each other,” “It is often the case that it takes a while until an agreement has finally been reached.
“In the end you of course have the feeling that it will endure. Florian Wirtz has proven that he is a very, very valuable player. Not only for Bayer Leverkusen, but also for the national team. That's why he costs a few euros more.”
Voller was in the club when Wirtz joined Koln at the age of 17 and the player was informed 197 times for the team and scored 57 times.
He was an important part of their historical season 2023-24 when they won the Bundesliga for the first time in their history and also lifted the German cup.
Wirtz started for Germany in their 2-1 Nations League semi-final defeat against Portugal on Wednesday despite constant speculation about his future but boss Julian Nagelsmann insists that he was not distracted.
“Flo will play,” said Nagelsmann prior to the game, where Wirtz scored the only goal in Germany. “I don't feel any fear of injury or something with him. He is a competitor who wants to play and want to be successful with us.”