Just weeks after becoming Liverpool’s most expensive signing, Florian Wirtz could be on his way back to Leverkusen—temporarily.
The 22-year-old German midfielder joined the Premier League champions from Bayer Leverkusen on 20 June in a £116 million move, sparking major excitement among Liverpool fans. Many are hopeful he’ll fulfill the high expectations set by teammates like Ilkay Gundogan, who’s tipped him to become one of the world’s best.
Due to the timing of the transfer, Wirtz never had the chance to formally bid farewell to Leverkusen supporters. However, that may soon change.
Leverkusen are organizing a proper send-off for Wirtz.
According to Sport.de, the Bundesliga club is preparing an official farewell for their former star next Tuesday, during a friendly match at the BayArena against Serie A side Pisa. Sources say both Leverkusen and Wirtz are eager to make the goodbye happen, especially since it was unclear at the end of last season whether he would leave, and he missed the opportunity to say goodbye then.
The tribute is scheduled for the day after Liverpool’s friendly double-header against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. Leverkusen has reportedly asked Liverpool to release Wirtz from training next Tuesday and Wednesday to attend the farewell.
So far, Liverpool hasn’t confirmed whether they’ll grant the request.
A reasonable request—but not ideal timing for Liverpool
Given Wirtz’s rise from teenage prospect to club legend during his five seasons at Leverkusen—capped by an unbeaten domestic double in 2023/24—it’s understandable that both he and the club want a proper goodbye.
However, Liverpool is just days away from the start of the new Premier League season and the Community Shield. Missing two days of training during such a crucial time isn’t ideal for Jürgen Klopp’s squad.
It’s worth noting that several well-loved former Liverpool players—like Adam Lallana, Sadio Mané, and Luis Díaz—left the club without a public farewell at Anfield.
If Wirtz is truly eager to return to Leverkusen for the occasion, and if it doesn’t significantly disrupt Liverpool’s preparations, the club may well allow him to make the trip.
From Bayer’s perspective, it’s completely reasonable to want to say goodbye to one of the most influential players in their recent history—someone they hope will become just as iconic at Liverpool in the years ahead.
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