Florian Wirtz Joins Liverpool in Record-Breaking Move

Liverpool have completed the signing of 22-year-old German sensation Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in a record-breaking £116 million ($156m) transfer.

The attacking midfielder’s move includes an initial £100 million ($134.5m) fee, with £16 million ($21.5m) in performance-based add-ons, which, if triggered, would make him the most expensive signing in British football history—surpassing Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez.

Following the official announcement, Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes paid an emotional tribute to Wirtz, praising not only his extraordinary talent but also his exemplary character.

“I don’t want to write this,” Rolfes admitted, in comments shared via Fabrizio Romano. “I would like to tell the world that you will stay at Bayer 04 Leverkusen for the rest of your career. But you decided to open a new chapter. We are not just losing one of the best players in the world—we are losing a remarkable person.”

Rolfes reflected on Wirtz’s resilience, referencing the player’s comeback from a serious ACL injury and his relentless drive to improve. “Even after your injury, your hunger grew stronger. Your attitude made you a leader—quiet, focused, driven. More experienced players looked up to you,” he said.

Highlighting the young star’s humility and mental strength, Rolfes recalled a touching moment when Wirtz proudly received the No. 10 shirt and glowed with happiness. “That moment said a lot about you. You’ve been a superstar for a while, but you stayed grounded.”

Wirtz played a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s recent domestic success, scoring 57 goals and providing 64 assists in 197 appearances. His performances attracted attention from Europe’s elite, including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Manchester City.

However, Liverpool secured his signature in a move that signals strong intent as the club builds on its Premier League-winning campaign under new manager Arne Slot. Wirtz has already made clear his ambitions at Anfield: “I want to win everything,” he declared.

Rolfes concluded his message with gratitude to Wirtz’s family, thanking them for their respect, humility, and long-standing trust. “You will always remain part of the Bayer 04 family,” he wrote.

As Wirtz prepares for the next chapter of his career, Liverpool fans are buzzing with excitement over the arrival of one of Europe’s most promising young talents—who arrives not just with numbers, but with heart, hunger, and a drive to dominate.

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