Liverpool Join Race for £110m Bundesliga Star as Summer Plans Take Shape | OneFootball

Liverpool Enter Premier League Race for Bundesliga Sensation

Liverpool’s summer plans are taking shape as the club look to reinforce a title-winning squad ahead of Arne Slot’s second season in charge. With the Premier League crown potentially secured this week, attention is already turning to the transfer market. But Liverpool won’t be alone.

According to CaughtOffside, “Liverpool are in the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen superstar Florian Wirtz, with Arsenal and City in the mix for the Germany international, who could leave the Bundesliga this summer.”

The 21-year-old has emerged as one of Europe’s standout young talents, playing a central role in Bayer Leverkusen’s title-winning campaign. “Leverkusen are resigned to losing Wirtz this summer, with the reigning German champions setting a price tag as high as €130m (£110m) for the 21-year-old attacking midfielder, who this season has again been exceptional.”

Photo: IMAGO

Interest Across Premier League Elite

Liverpool are no strangers to Wirtz, having been linked in past windows, but the Premier League’s financial powerhouses—Arsenal and Manchester City—are both circling. For Wirtz, a move to England feels inevitable, but the destination remains uncertain.

While Liverpool may offer historic prestige and immediate momentum under Slot, Arsenal’s youthful project and City’s consistency present serious alternatives. Both clubs are expected to invest heavily after falling short in this season’s title race.

As CaughtOffside notes, “Liverpool have been linked with Wirtz in the past… though Arsenal and City’s interest does complicate matters for the Reds.”

Midfield Spark Versus Structural Needs

Wirtz undoubtedly brings sparkle. His creativity, movement between the lines and capacity for unlocking deep defences would suit Slot’s vision for an expansive, modern Liverpool. He is, by many estimations, a future Ballon d’Or contender.

Yet, for Liverpool, it may be a case of priorities. With midfield not the most pressing concern this summer, spending a nine-figure sum on Wirtz could come at the expense of more urgent squad upgrades.

As the original report notes, “Liverpool need to address squad problems before targeting Florian Wirtz.” The defensive line, long praised for its balance and aggression, now shows signs of erosion. Injuries, ageing profiles, and form inconsistencies have exposed vulnerabilities, particularly in central areas.

Photo: IMAGO

Attack Could Also See Major Rework

Equally, the forward line is facing an uncertain summer. With both Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz linked with moves away from Anfield, Liverpool may need to reinvest in pace, finishing, and flexibility up front.

Wirtz, while more of a creator than a finisher, does bring attacking thrust. But would he be a luxury signing when other departments are in greater need?

That is the question Slot and the recruitment team must answer. Amid the romanticism of signing one of Europe’s top young stars lies the practical task of sustaining success in the most competitive league on the planet.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

There’s no doubt that Florian Wirtz is an exceptional footballer. Watching him glide past defenders in the Bundesliga, it’s easy to imagine him lighting up Anfield. He fits the DNA of a modern Liverpool attacker—technical, intelligent, driven.

But Liverpool supporters are pragmatists. While the lure of Wirtz excites, many recognise that money must be used wisely. With Konate’s contract situation unresolved, question marks over the full-back depth, and rumours swirling around the future of attacking players, the squad rebuild requires strategic thinking.

Fans also remember recent windows where marquee signings didn’t address underlying issues. If Wirtz is to join, it should be part of a larger, balanced plan—one that strengthens the core as much as it dazzles the crowd.

For now, the message from fans is clear: get the fundamentals right first. Then dream big.