Liverpool have completed the signing of German international Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in a club-record deal worth £116 million, as the Premier League champions continue to bolster their squad ahead of the new season.

The 22-year-old playmaker, who underwent a medical at the club’s training ground on Friday, has signed a five-year contract that will keep him at Anfield until at least 2030.

The deal comprises a guaranteed £100m upfront, with an additional £16m in performance-based add-ons, surpassing the Reds’ previous record transfer of £75m paid for Virgil van Dijk in 2018. Should the add-ons be fulfilled, Wirtz’s move would also eclipse the British transfer record set by Chelsea's £107m deal for Enzo Fernández in 2023.

“I would like to win everything every year,” Wirtz told club media. “Last season they [Liverpool] won the Premier League, so my goal is to win it again and go further in the Champions League. I’m really ambitious."

“I’m excited for this new adventure. Leaving the Bundesliga for the Premier League was a big part of my decision. I’ve spoken to some players who’ve played here, and they told me it’s perfect for me. Every pitch, every game – I’m looking forward to it.”

A Generational Talent Joins the Reds
Wirtz joins Liverpool after a standout spell at Bayer Leverkusen, where he netted 57 goals in 197 appearances and provided 44 Bundesliga assists – the third-highest total since his debut, despite being significantly younger than his peers in the top five.

A dynamic attacking midfielder, Wirtz was the Bundesliga’s most effective dribbler last season, operating predominantly as a number 10. His speed, technical intelligence, and sharp decision-making under pressure have earned him comparisons to some of the game’s elite creators.

The youngest player to reach 50 Bundesliga appearances (aged 18 years and seven months), Wirtz also became the league’s youngest ever goalscorer when he found the net against Bayern Munich in 2020, just 19 days after his senior debut.

Expert Views: “Liverpool Are Buying a Superstar”
German football expert Raphael Honigstein told BBC Radio 5 Live:

“Wirtz is more or less the fully-formed article. Liverpool are buying a superstar who brings class and poise. He’s young but already has immense experience for both club and country.”

Football journalist Constantin Eckner added:

“Even early in his Bundesliga career, he carried himself like a leader. He’s not the loudest voice, but his presence is felt in the dressing room.”

How Will Wirtz Fit into Arne Slot’s System?
New manager Arne Slot, who guided Liverpool to the Premier League title in his debut campaign, is likely to use Wirtz in the number 10 role in a 4-2-3-1 formation, where he excelled in Germany.

However, this could raise questions over current options such as Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, both of whom featured heavily last season. Szoboszlai edges Wirtz in goal involvement, while Mac Allister offers greater defensive work rate.

Wirtz also presents a false nine option in a 4-3-3 system, a role famously performed by Roberto Firmino, where the central striker drops deeper to link play and create space for wide forwards like Mohamed Salah and Luis Díaz.

Liverpool’s Ambitious Summer Spending
Wirtz becomes Liverpool’s second major signing of the summer, following the £29.5m arrival of Dutch right-back Jeremie Frimpong, also from Bayer Leverkusen.

Sporting director Richard Hughes, overseeing his first full transfer window after arriving from Bournemouth, has prioritised early activity to prepare for another title challenge. The Reds are also in talks to sign Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez for £40m, while a new centre-back and striker remain on their wishlist.

Despite the record outlay, Liverpool’s transfer business appears far from over.