Liverpool close to agreeing Florian Wirtz transfer after tabling gigantic second bid
Florian Wirtz has rejected Bayern Munich and is poised to sign for Liverpool if the Premier League champions can reach an agreement with German side Bayer Leverkusen
Liverpool have made an improved bid for Florian Wirtz which is closer to Bayer Leverkusen's £126million valuation. Wirtz, 22, is expected to sign a five-year contract at Anfield if the Reds strike a deal, as the Leverkusen star has already rejected Bayern Munich.
It's understood that Liverpool lodged an opening bid of £85m earlier this week. Now, after seeing that deal turned down, they've moved again, with an offer worth a total £109m.
This could be enough to tempt Leverkusen into a sale, with the Bundesliga club previously demanding £126m during talks with Bayern. But given that Liverpool are a foreign club, his asking price could be reduced. Wirtz wouldn't be the only Leverkusen player heading to Anfield, as the Reds have agreed to pay right-back Jeremie Frimpong's £29.5m release clause.
Bayern chiefs appear to have accepted that Wirtz has chosen to join Premier League champions Liverpool, whose officials with the Germany international and his parents near Blackpool last week. Liverpool's pitch impressed the Wirtz clan, who've given the green-light for a move to Merseyside after making his name in the Bundesliga.
Bayern president Herbert Hainer recently told German newspaper Abendzeitung: "[Director of sport] Max Eberl has informed me that Florian Wirtz is probably leaning towards Liverpool. I can't say how things will continue with Leverkusen."
Chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen was also asked about Bayern's failing pursuit of Wirtz and attempted to use their involvement in the Club World Cup as leverage. "Much more has been written than spoken," Dreesen said via the ECHO.
"FC Bayern is one of the absolute top clubs in Europe and the world. Our appeal among fans, but also among players, is enormous. The fact that not every player will end up with us is simply part of the package; it's the same for other top clubs.
"But everyone knows: with FC Bayern, you can win everything every year, you're involved in every competition - the upcoming Club World Cup is a good example of that.
Has Florian Wirtz made the right decision to join Liverpool? Have your say in the comments section.
"Just look at which clubs are represented there – and, most of all, which (clubs) aren't. The best European clubs are competing there - including FC Bayern. Our appeal, sporting ambitions, and economic power are well known to all top players around the world."
Former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann believes that the Reds' quieter approach compared to Bayern's public charm offensive has been more effective. "I think the Wirtz family was also impressed by how they (Liverpool) handled it," Hamann told Bild. "Discreetly, quietly, all in the background."
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