Liverpool’s summer transfer window has reached new heights with the capture of Florian Wirtz, one of Europe’s most coveted young players. The 22-year-old German midfielder joined from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth £100 million upfront, with £16 million in performance-based add-ons.
Should those clauses be activated, the total package will eclipse the previous British record fee set by Chelsea’s £115m move for Moises Caicedo.
The Reds had to fend off interest from Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich to secure Wirtz’s signature. The player reportedly turned down several offers across Europe to make the switch to Anfield. His arrival marks a strategic statement of intent by the Premier League champions, whose recent recruitment signals a new era of aggressive investment.
Jurgen Klopp, now away from the dugout but still a prominent voice around the club, welcomed the decision and admitted the club was adapting to the realities of the modern market. Once critical of massive fees, Klopp acknowledged that times have changed and praised the club’s willingness to invest in a player with enormous upside.
Liverpool have been active in the window, with Wirtz becoming their headline signing alongside new arrivals Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong. Kerkez, 21, was snapped up from Bournemouth and is tipped as a long-term replacement for Andy Robertson, who is entering the final year of his contract and is being monitored by Atletico Madrid. Despite speculation, the club has no immediate plans to part with the Scotland international.
In addition, Giorgi Mamardashvili will finally join the squad next month following a deal that was secured a year ago. The Valencia goalkeeper’s arrival will boost competition between the posts, as Liverpool look to bolster every department ahead of the new season.
Kerkez, speaking after his signing, expressed excitement about joining what he called the biggest club in England. With pre-season training around the corner, he’s eager to begin life at Anfield alongside fellow Hungarian Dominik Szoboszlai.
The Wirtz transfer has stirred reactions across the football world, particularly because Leverkusen initially demanded £126m before settling for the current deal. The acquisition not only shatters Liverpool’s previous record—set during the Darwin Nunez signing—but also sets a tone for an ambitious title defense.
With more than £200 million already spent, Liverpool are poised to begin the new campaign with a reinforced squad that reflects both elite-level ambition and forward-thinking recruitment.