Liverpool appear intent on springing a few surprises in the transfer market this summer.
The Reds have had a magnificent season, winning the Premier League in Arne Slot’s first season since taking over from Jurgen Klopp.
But, clearly, Liverpool are not content with leaving things there. Armed with a mega transfer budget, Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes are pushing ahead to improve the squad.
One of the most glaring areas for betterment is in attack, where Liverpool became a little too reliant on Mohamed Salah.
As a result, news has emerged in recent days that the Reds are keen to bring in Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.
Initially, it had appeared that Wirtz was bound for Bayern Munich. But after some bombshell news on Friday evening, Liverpool now lead the race.
Liverpool confident of landing Florian Wirtz
For years, Wirtz has felt likely to be on a course set for Bayern. As one of the best German talents of his generation, it seemed virtually inevitable the 22-year-old would end up in Munich.
However, as Rousing The Kop exclusively revealed on Friday, Liverpool have been prepared to go big on Wirtz. And their persistence looks like it could now pay dividends.
As per journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Reds are now in the lead for Wirtz and are confident of striking a deal with Leverkusen.
“Liverpool are confident to get Florian Wirtz deal done after fresh contacts in last 24/48 hours,” Romano reports on X.
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“Talks ongoing to get final green light but LFC are now favorites ahead of Bayern in the race for German gem.
“Liverpool want to be fast.”
How much could Wirtz cost?
This would be a huge turn-up for the books for Liverpool. To steal a top German player from under the noses of Bayern is virtually unheard of.
But while there will be embarrassment in Munich over these latest developments, this should not be considered a foregone conclusion.
As journalist Ben Jacobs pointed out, the deal for Liverpool to sign Wirtz is still going to be an astronomical one.
“Liverpool have moved ahead in the race for Florian Wirtz after the player has told Bayern he favours a move to Anfield,” says Jacobs. “LFC are now expected to bid, with Leverkusen seeking as much as €150m [£126m].”
“Not a done deal yet. Liverpool know Wirtz could yet stay at Leverkusen. But optimism stems from the club’s excellent relationship with the German club and with their CEO Fernando Carro, and the fact Leverkusen prefer to sell abroad if they are to lose Wirtz this summer.
“Liverpool have been patient, and now will formally engage with Leverkusen to try and finalise an agreement.”
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