Liverpool are looking to wrap up some early transfer business after ending their Premier League season on Sunday.
The curtain came down on the Reds’ campaign this weekend, with a draw against Crystal Palace the final act of a glorious year.
There was delight as the Premier League trophy was lifted, with Liverpool supporters and players delighting in an unexpected success.
More pressure will fall on Liverpool next season, as expectations rise that a dynasty can be built at Anfield.
Part of the reason fans are confident they can go again in 2025/26 is because Liverpool are making big waves in the transfer market.
The Reds have reportedly made a big offer for Florian Wirtz as they aim to smash their transfer record. And as negotiations rumble on, Bayer Leverkusen managing director Simon Rolfes has spoken out on the potential of a deal being done.
Bayer Leverkusen confirm Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz interest
Liverpool’s move to sign Wirtz has excited fans and pundits alike. Former Reds winger Steve McManaman has predicted Wirtz to become a ‘superstar‘ with the Reds.
Leverkusen will of course be loath to lose a player who has become one of their best during a golden age for the club.
Should he leave, Wirtz would join Xabi Alonso in heading for the exit this summer as the invincible Bundesliga winners of 2024 are broken apart.
With Alonso heading to Real Madrid, Leverkusen have moved to bring in former Man United manager Erik ten Hag. And during Ten Hag’s unveiling on Monday, Rolfes was asked about Wirtz.
“It’s currently an open subject with Florian,” the Leverkusen executive replied. “There is concrete interest from Liverpool, but there’s no more to say right now. Florian is our player.”
Ten Hag, who may never get the chance to work with Leverkusen’s star man, refused to be drawn into commenting.
“I’ll work with the players who are available on 1 September,” said the Dutchman.
How much will Liverpool pay for Wirtz?
While this is obviously not an indication that a deal will eventually get done for Wirtz, it is another step in the right direction for Liverpool.
For Rolfes to speak so publicly about the potential of a deal with the Reds is a sign that things are going well.
Ultimately, it seems as though Liverpool and Leverkusen have a healthy relationship, and that this should help facilitate the transfer.
It will be a big pay day for the German club, with previous valuations being of more than £100m. Liverpool’s first bid is reportedly coming in at around £84m, though, but it remains probable that the Reds will have to pay more than that.
One more step forward in this one, then, but still a little way to go.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
