Liverpool Relying on Bayer Leverkusen Prodigy Wirtz to Elevate Their Game

The rising star of German football is on the verge of becoming the next sensation in the Premier League, as Florian Wirtz prepares to make his move to Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen for a record-breaking transfer fee.

Hot on the heels of securing their 20th English top-tier title, Arne Slot’s side has splashed the cash to acquire a young talent already hailed as one of the best in the world by former Liverpool midfielder and Wirtz’s ex-coach, Xabi Alonso.

According to reports in British media on Friday, the Premier League champions have finalised a landmark deal worth up to £116 million to bring the attacking midfielder on board.

This now paves the way for Liverpool to agree on personal terms with a player in demand from several elite European clubs.

Wirtz’s immense potential as a teenager ignited a dispute between his hometown club Cologne and Leverkusen five years ago, when the latter, backed by pharmaceutical powerhouse Bayer, signed him at just 17.

Cologne claimed that a gentleman’s agreement to keep youth players had been breached, while Leverkusen maintained that Wirtz was a first-team recruit, and within months, he had made his mark in the Bundesliga.

However, his ascent was briefly halted by a cruciate knee ligament injury in March 2022, sidelining him for 10 months.

Upon his return, Alonso had taken the reins at Leverkusen, and together they would lead the club to some of its most remarkable achievements.

In a stunning turn of events, Leverkusen ended Bayern Munich’s dominance in the Bundesliga, clinching the title and the German Cup without a single defeat in the 2023/24 season.

Wirtz scored his first professional hat-trick on the day the title was confirmed against Werder Bremen, ultimately being named Bundesliga Player of the Year.

“Flo is among the elite players globally; he’s truly world-class,” stated Alonso, who likened his protégé’s game intelligence to that of Lionel Messi.

“What makes Messi exceptional? It’s his knack for recognising when to make simple passes. Messi often says: ‘You’re in a better position? Here, take the ball’,” added Alonso, a legend from Liverpool’s memorable 2005 Champions League victory.

“It’s not always about pulling off the most spectacular move but making the smartest and most effective decisions. Florian has that ability, which is why he excels.”

‘The Complete Package’

Both Wirtz and Alonso initially committed to remaining with the Leverkusen project for an additional year, however, a defeat to Atalanta in the Europa League final at the end of the 2023/24 season hinted at challenges ahead.

Despite Bayern Munich reclaiming their status in German football last season, they failed to entice Wirtz to join their ranks, a path that many others have taken.

He made his preferences clear, expressing a desire to join the Premier League champions and etch his name into Liverpool’s storied history.

“He’s an immense talent with a brilliant future ahead; Liverpool is the perfect destination for him,” remarked former club captain Steven Gerrard.

Though he has amassed 57 goals and 65 assists across 197 appearances for Leverkusen, Wirtz will begin his tenure at Anfield under the considerable shadow of Mohamed Salah.

Nevertheless, the club is banking on Wirtz’s creativity to support the 32-year-old’s impressive goal-scoring record and alleviate some of the pressure on the Liverpool attack.

Previous record signing Darwin Nunez, who cost £85 million, has struggled to make an impact and may be offloaded to recoup some of the hefty expenditure on new acquisitions.

Liverpool will be counting on Wirtz to handle the expectations that come with his price tag and to stand up to the physical demands of the Premier League, ensuring there’s no sophomore slump under Slot’s management.

Former Germany head coach Hansi Flick has no doubt about what the midfielder brings to the table.

“He’s an exceptional technician, loves to play, is highly creative, possesses a strong shot, works hard, and is fast,” he proclaimed.

“He truly is the complete package.”