Liverpool transfer news: Record Florian Wirtz deal agreed as payment structure revealed

Liverpool have finally agreed a deal to sign Florian Wirtz in what will be a British-record deal as the Reds cough up £100m up front with more signings of their radar

Liverpool will pay a British-record fee to sign Florian Wirtz this summer after a £116million deal was finally agreed with Bayer Leverkusen. They’d seen several bids rejected, but have finally enjoyed a breakthrough.

The Reds led the queue for the player with Bayern Munich and Manchester City both previously keen. But in recent weeks the Premier League champions have had a free run at Wirtz and have struck a deal with the Bundesliga outfit.

Arne Slot has been aggressive in attacking the transfer market and is looking to add a second Leverkusen player after already signing Jeremie Frimpong, who arrived as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s replacement.

Liverpool’s business is unlikely to end with Wirtz and their outlay this summer could exceed £200m as they continue to eye other recruits in all areas of the squad. Here’s the latest from Anfield.

Structure of Wirtz deal

Liverpool have committed to pay £100m guaranteed. That is more than the club has ever paid for a single player even including add-ons. However the overall cost of the deal will exceed the £115m which Chelsea paid Brighton for Moises Caicedo in 2023.

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That shows the belief within Anfield for the ability of the Germany international both now and in the future with those who have watched him intently sure there’s still huge scope for improvement for a player who had 30 goal contributions last season.

It’s a complex and complicated deal but that is standard nowadays for a player who is so highly-rated. The transfer window is now closed again until next week but deals can still be agreed and medicals done. The deal will be made official next week.

Frankfurt issue Ekitike warning

Frankfurt CEO Markus Krosche maintains the club don’t need so sell Hugo Ekitike amid Premier League interest. Liverpool and Chelsea are both keen on the French frontman, who has been valued at around £85m.

The Bundesliga side cashed in on Ekitike’s former team-mate Omar Marmoush in January, with the forward joining Man City in a £59m deal. “If the price isn’t right, then he’ll just stay with us,” Krosche told Wiesbadener Kurier when discussing the player. “We don’t have to sell Hugo.”

Frankfurt are keen on Mainz’s Jonathan Burkardt as they look to bolster their attacking ranks. The German international could join Ekitike rather than replacing him, though, with Mainz after a fee north of £25m.

Wirtz role turned his head

German football expert Constantin Eckner claims that Wirtz’s decision to pick Liverpool over Bayern Munich is partly because he will be the main playmaker. He told BBC Sport: “What ultimately influenced his decision is that Arne Slot in particular offered Wirtz the best plan for the next couple of years, meaning Wirtz will be Liverpool’s number 10 – the centrepiece.

“Of course Mohamed Salah is still there, but how many more years will he play for Liverpool? His days are somewhat numbered. Then, Wirtz will be the centerpiece of the Reds attacking system.”

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