Florian Wirtz signs for Liverpool in a record-breaking €150M transfer from Bayer Leverkusen
Germany’s midfield gem, Florian Wirtz, has penned a historic move to Liverpool FC, completing a sensational €150 million switch from Bayer Leverkusen, making it the most expensive transfer in Bundesliga history.
The deal, which includes performance-based bonuses, surpasses Ousmane Dembélé’s €135M move to Barcelona in 2018. Wirtz, 22, becomes Liverpool’s most expensive signing ever and will reportedly pocket between €20–22 million annually.
From Leverkusen Glory to Anfield Dreams
Wirtz’s move comes off the back of a legendary season with Leverkusen, where he was central in lifting the Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal — both firsts for the club.
In total, Wirtz made 140 appearances, scoring 35 goals and delivering 47 assists. His creativity, vision, and maturity on the pitch turned him into one of Europe’s most wanted stars.
“He’s a natural number 10,” said Xabi Alonso, who coached him at Leverkusen.
Born in Brauweiler, just outside Cologne, Wirtz grew up playing indoors with his sister Juliane, also a footballer. Their home didn’t have a TV, so kicking a ball around became his daily life.
“Even when I went to get a spoon, there was a ball at my feet,” Wirtz once shared.
His journey hit a bump in 2022 after suffering a serious ACL injury, ruling him out of the Qatar World Cup. But the midfielder returned even stronger.
Under Alonso’s watch, Wirtz recorded 18 goals and 20 assists in the 2023–24 season. That stat alone put him ahead of Jude Bellingham and on par with Phil Foden in total goal contributions.
His first goal for Germany came in record time — just seven seconds into a match against France. Coach Julian Nagelsmann calls him one of Germany’s “three wizards” alongside Musiala and Gündogan.
At Anfield, Wirtz will wear the number 10 shirt, following in the footsteps of club greats. Liverpool fans will be hoping his flair, intelligence, and goal sense light up the Premier League.
With a massive fee, global attention, and expectations sky-high, Wirtz’s English adventure is just getting started.
