Report: Reds Looking to Include Players in Potential Record Transfer Fee | OneFootball

Florian Wirtz Edges Closer to Liverpool Switch as Bayer Leverkusen Open to Player-Swap Deal

Anfield chiefs explore player exchange to land Germany’s €150m-rated gem

Liverpool appear to have taken a giant stride in their pursuit of Florian Wirtz, with reports emerging that the Reds are in advanced talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a sensational move for the Germany international.

According to Sky Sports Germany, the Bundesliga champions are warming to the idea of a player-plus-cash deal as a way to offset the eye-watering £126 million (€150m) price tag. That figure would smash the British transfer record set by Moises Caicedo’s £115m move to Chelsea last summer.

Player Swap Could Be Key to Deal

Sources suggest Liverpool are considering including a current squad member in the offer to bring down the upfront fee, which could prove decisive after other European giants—including Bayern Munich—pulled out of the race due to Wirtz’s valuation.

Leverkusen’s need for reinforcements is well known. Xabi Alonso’s side are targeting a goalkeeper, a central defender, a striker, and a Wirtz replacement this summer. That opens the door for the likes of Caoimhin Kelleher, Joe Gomez, Darwin Núñez, Diogo Jota, Curtis Jones or Harvey Elliott to be used as bargaining chips.

While the structure of the deal—permanent or loan—remains under wraps, Anfield insiders believe the involvement of CEO Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes will be key to brokering an agreement before Germany’s Euro 2024 campaign begins.

Wirtz Sways Towards Merseyside Move

In a revealing twist, Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer has acknowledged Liverpool now lead the chase. Speaking to German media, he admitted:

Previously, Bayern had reportedly held private discussions with Wirtz’s father, Hans-Joachim, and believed the forward was content to stay in Germany until 2026. That stance shifted dramatically on Friday, when Wirtz senior informed Bayern directors of his son’s desire to join Liverpool this summer—not in two years’ time.

Liverpool’s Statement of Intent

If concluded, this transfer would represent a major statement from Liverpool in the post-Jürgen Klopp era. Securing Wirtz would not only inject world-class attacking talent into Arne Slot’s setup, but also signal a renewed ambition under the Edwards-Hughes leadership team.

Wirtz, 22, enjoyed a dazzling campaign under Alonso, contributing 18 goals and 19 assists across all competitions as Leverkusen completed an invincible Bundesliga season. With comparisons drawn to Kai Havertz and even Michael Ballack, his arrival would underscore Liverpool’s long-term project with a generational signing.