Liverpool Monitor Bundesliga Star as Summer Transfer Strategy Evolves | OneFootball

Liverpool Enter the Race for Wirtz Amidst Summer Strategy Shift

Planned Talks Signal Real Interest from Merseyside

It’s been whispered before, but now Liverpool’s interest in Florian Wirtz is loud enough to unsettle both Munich and Manchester. As reported by Christian Falk for Bayern Insider, Arne Slot’s Liverpool have taken a significant step by holding a pre-arranged meeting with the 22-year-old Bayer Leverkusen star — a sign of long-standing intent, not sudden impulse.

“It should be noted that a meeting between Liverpool and Wirtz was planned, as opposed to being a spur-of-the-moment event,” the report confirms.

This is no casual enquiry. The numbers involved are staggering: “Of course, the Merseysiders will be keenly aware of the fact that the footballer may cost in excess of €100m [£84.2m]. Bayer Leverkusen are ultimately looking for €150m [£126.3m].”

That fee would shatter Liverpool’s transfer record. But for a player with 16 goals and 15 assists in 44 appearances this season — contributing to a goal every 106.5 minutes — the investment reflects both form and future.

Photo: IMAGO

Competition from City and Confidence in Bavaria

Manchester City are also in the picture, having reportedly met with Wirtz and his family on the same day as Liverpool. It’s a sign of the intense demand surrounding the player that two of Europe’s biggest clubs scheduled discussions within hours of one another.

As expected, Bayern Munich remain confident. According to Bayern Insider, they believe Wirtz will “keep his promise to the Bundesliga winners.” Vincent Kompany’s side is prepared to act this summer with a €100m bid — or wait until 2026 for a potentially reduced fee.

But with Premier League money in play, Leverkusen could yet leverage that interest to extract maximum value.

Fit for Slot, But Priorities Remain Elsewhere

Liverpool’s admiration for Wirtz makes tactical sense. A versatile attacking midfielder who can drive forward, link play and press with intelligence — it’s easy to see him slotting into the evolving system under Slot.

Yet, as Falk notes, “Liverpool have other clear priorities to tend to.” Chief among them is a reliable, clinical forward. Darwin Núñez, for all his industry, has not delivered at the required level. That positional void, along with left-back reinforcement, remains higher on the summer checklist.

Market Strategy Will Define Liverpool’s Window

Sporting director Richard Hughes faces a delicate task: balancing ambition with realism. A €100m+ signing is not impossible for Liverpool — as the Mac Allister-style structure of the potential Wirtz deal hints — but it must fit into a broader framework of needs.

Photo by IMAGO

Wirtz is undoubtedly a luxury target. But he’s also a potential statement signing for Slot’s tenure — a signal that Liverpool’s ambition doesn’t stop with winning the league.

The real question is whether they’ll act on interest or focus resources elsewhere. Bayern remain favourites, but Liverpool’s approach is no longer passive.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

There’s a certain electricity that comes with Liverpool being linked to a player of Florian Wirtz’s calibre. It’s not just the stats — though they’re outstanding. It’s the intent behind the move that catches the eye.

Liverpool fans know we’re not always first to the €100m table. Under FSG, we’ve worked smarter than we have louder. But this feels different. A planned meeting? That shows belief. Not just in Wirtz, but in Slot’s vision.

Would he walk into our starting XI? Absolutely. Especially if we’re leaning into a 4-2-3-1 or more fluid midfield three. He could be the missing link between midfield control and attacking bite.

That said, the reality is clear. A striker must come first. Darwin has his moments, but we can’t afford another title charge with question marks in the No. 9 slot. And let’s not forget we’re light at left-back too.

If Wirtz signs, it’s a coup. But it mustn’t come at the cost of balance. Get a goal machine in. Then get Wirtz, if the funds allow. That’s the dream scenario. Fingers crossed we’re bold enough to make it real.