Liverpool are reportedly under pressure to wrap up the signing of Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz swiftly, as another top European club is still hoping to hijack the deal.
Wirtz, who has enjoyed two outstanding seasons with Leverkusen, has attracted interest from several elite clubs across Europe. While recent reports have suggested that Liverpool are on the brink of securing his signature, the transfer isn’t finalized just yet.
Despite claims that Wirtz has agreed on personal terms for a lucrative five-year deal, The Sun reports that Liverpool have yet to reach an agreement with Leverkusen over the transfer fee. The German side has allegedly rejected an £86 million offer, holding out for a package worth £106 million upfront plus around £20 million in performance-based bonuses.
According to the latest report released Wednesday evening, Wirtz is pushing for the deal to be completed before he joins the German national team for international duty. He is scheduled to link up with Julian Nagelsmann’s squad on Thursday ahead of their UEFA Nations League semi-final against Portugal next Wednesday, meaning time is of the essence for Liverpool.
Liverpool Face Competition from Real Madrid for Wirtz
While Bayern Munich and Manchester City are reportedly no longer in the race, Spanish outlet AS claims that Real Madrid are still in the running and haven’t given up hope. The Spanish giants are said to believe there’s still a chance to land Wirtz, keeping the door open for a last-minute move.
Real Madrid could deliver another blow to Liverpool, having already moved closer to signing Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer with his contract set to expire in June.
One potential advantage for Real Madrid is their appointment of Xabi Alonso—Wirtz’s former coach at Leverkusen—who is set to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabéu. This reunion could prove tempting for Wirtz, given their successful partnership in the Bundesliga.