Report: Player-plus-cash deal being considered in Reds’ €130m pursuit | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz Pursuit Shows Evolution Under Slot

Wirtz Chase Signals Big Ambitions

Liverpool’s pursuit of Florian Wirtz, as reported by Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany, is not just another high-profile chase, it’s a statement of intent. Gone are the days of patient builds and cautious spending. With Arne Slot now steering the ship, the Reds appear to be pivoting towards a more aggressive, future-facing transfer model. Wirtz, widely seen as Germany’s next great hope, could become the centrepiece of a rebuilt Liverpool midfield.

According to Plettenberg, Liverpool have already submitted a new offer worth €125–130 million. Yet this, too, falls short of Bayer Leverkusen’s lofty €150 million valuation. Still, the tone of the negotiations, as described by multiple sources, is encouraging. “Negotiations are ongoing. A prompt agreement remains the goal of both clubs,” Plettenberg reported, suggesting the deal is edging towards completion.

Possible Player Swap Adds Complexity

The most intriguing detail isn’t the money, though. It’s the potential inclusion of a Liverpool player to sweeten the deal. Plettenberg first reported this possibility on May 24, writing, “Understand there is discussion around a deal that would involve Liverpool paying a transfer fee and Leverkusen additionally receiving a player from Liverpool!”

Now, that scenario appears to be firmly back on the table. Leverkusen, already active in the market with their interest in Brentford’s Mark Flekken, are shopping for a goalkeeper, a centre-back, a striker, and of course, a direct Wirtz replacement in the No 10 role. Liverpool, who have their own squad to streamline, might just oblige.

Photo: IMAGO

Harvey Elliott stands out as a possible makeweight. The young Englishman, still yet to fully cement his role in the team, could offer Leverkusen the creativity they’ll lose with Wirtz’s departure. Plettenberg notes that “there is also continued talk of a Liverpool player who could potentially be included in the deal,” and Elliott, pushed out by Wirtz’s arrival, fits the bill.

Slot’s Tactical Shift Made Clear

Wirtz’s likely promise of the No 10 role speaks volumes about the tactical evolution under Slot. Where Klopp leaned into intensity and chaos, Slot appears to favour structure, control, and positional clarity. Wirtz is not just a generational talent; he’s a symbol of this new Liverpool. He plays between the lines, dictates tempo, and offers vertical incision – all vital in a Slot system.

The financial commitment reflects Liverpool’s readiness to transition. Wirtz will not come cheap, and yet there’s no panic, no public brinkmanship. This feels calm, coordinated, and quietly confident.

What Comes Next?

It’s a matter of days now, according to Plettenberg. Wirtz, currently with the German national team, awaits the green light to undergo his medical. Liverpool may yet stretch the fee or include a makeweight to get there, but it appears increasingly likely that their marquee target will arrive.

What began as hopeful speculation is now looking like a carefully managed coup.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This move, if completed, will be one of the most exciting Liverpool have made ever. Florian Wirtz is everything the fanbase wants from a marquee signing – young, technically superb, already world-class in patches, and capable of growing into the face of the club for the next decade.

The idea of offering Harvey Elliott as part of the deal is controversial. He’s well-liked by fans and has shown potential. But Wirtz is on a different level. If Elliott’s departure helps secure the signature, most fans will understand the trade-off. Jarell Quansah is another possible outgoing, though with defensive depth still an issue, that may not go down quite as easily.

Supporters will also be relieved to see Liverpool acting decisively. The club has sometimes been accused of dithering in the transfer market, but this shows they are willing to go toe-to-toe with Europe’s elite. Bayern Munich wanted Wirtz. Liverpool look like they’ve won.

Slot wants a No 10. The club are willing to pay. The direction of travel is clear. And for fans, it’s exciting to watch Liverpool dream big again.