Liverpool Football Club have reportedly intensified their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen's attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, submitting a significant new offer totalling £113 million. The proposed deal comprises a £100 million upfront payment supplemented by £13 million in potential add-ons. Despite this substantial bid, it is understood to be below Bayer Leverkusen's valuation, with the Bundesliga side reportedly holding out for £126 million (€150 million). Wirtz himself is said to be keen on a move to Anfield, preferring Liverpool amidst interest from other European giants such as Manchester City and Bayern Munich.

The £113 million offer, if accepted, would represent a new club-record transfer fee for Liverpool, eclipsing the £85 million paid for Darwin Nunez from Benfica in June 2022. Furthermore, it stands just £2 million shy of the British transfer record, which was set when Chelsea acquired Moises Caicedo from Brighton for £115 million in August 2023. This demonstrates Liverpool's serious intent to secure the highly-rated German international.

Wirtz, described as a 22-year-old, has been a standout performer in the Bundesliga. In a recent notable season, where he spent his entire senior career at Leverkusen, he scored 10 goals and provided 12 assists in 25 starts. During that campaign, his side finished as runners-up to Bayern Munich, an achievement that came a year after the club had secured a league and cup double. Wirtz also recently found the net for Germany in their 2-1 Nations League semi-final defeat against Portugal.

Securing Wirtz would see him potentially follow his former Leverkusen teammate Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool, after the Netherlands international completed a £29.5 million transfer. Arne Slot's side are also reportedly active on other fronts, notably eyeing a deal for Bournemouth's left-back Milos Kerkez. Confidence is said to be growing within the Premier League champions that they can sign Kerkez, with personal terms not anticipated to be an obstacle.

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has weighed in on Liverpool's transfer strategy, suggesting Wirtz would be an immediate starter for the Reds. Carragher believes that after completing deals for Frimpong, Wirtz, and a new left-back, Liverpool's next priority should be a centre forward. He commented on The Overlap, "Throughout the season, I was still saying that Liverpool still need five or six players. I think the left-back comes in and plays straight away, Frimpong will fight with Conor Bradley, Wirtz will play when he comes to the club. But I still think we need a centre forward."

Carragher further elaborated on Liverpool's needs, stating, "Liverpool need a left-back, Andy Robertson needs help on that side and Kostas Tsimikas will be moved on. I've always felt that attacking midfield and left-back are the two areas that have jumped out to me in the last 12 to 18 months." He also speculated on Wirtz's role, saying, "Whether Wirtz comes in and plays in Szoboszlai's role or plays from the left, I don't know. But the next one is centre forward and I wouldn't be surprised if once Liverpool get these three [Frimpong, Wirtz, and the left-back] done, the next one will be a centre forward." He suggested Liverpool would aim to conclude their primary business early, potentially assessing further midfield or centre-back additions later in the window based on sales.

The widespread interest in Florian Wirtz underscores his reputation as a game-changing talent. Often described as "Germany's gem" and a "Bayer Leverkusen superstar," he is attracting attention from some of the biggest clubs in Europe. His technical skill, vision, and goal-scoring ability make him a coveted asset, with analysts considering how his dynamic playstyle would fit into Liverpool's system under Arne Slot and potentially elevate their attacking prowess.