Bayern Munich restored their grip on the German game last season, with Leverkusen a distant second, and Wirtz is joining an exodus from the BayArena.

Netherlands defender Jeremie Frimpong has already made the move from Leverkusen to Liverpool last month.

After largely keeping their powder dry in the transfer market during Arne Slot’s first season in charge, the Reds are splashing out to strengthen a side that romped to a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title.

Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez is poised to make the move to Anfield in a £40 million deal.

Liverpool have also been linked with Newcastle striker Alexander Isak and Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi.

Where Wirtz’s fits into Slot’s plans remains to be seen.

He largely played behind a central striker at Leverkusen and has operated from a wider role for Germany.

A return of 57 goals and 65 assists in 197 games for Leverkusen is evidence that he carries a threat both as a creator and a goalscorer.

Liverpool are already blessed with an abundance of forward options, with Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo all offering a goal threat.

However, Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa now face even stiffer competition to get into Slot’s starting line-up, raising the prospect of Liverpool selling some of that trio to free up further transfer resources.