Frank Christian
Liverpool is intensifying their efforts to recruit Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz.
The club’s management aims to finalize most of their summer transfers within the first two weeks of June, allowing manager Arne Slot to have a comprehensive preseason with his revamped team.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is nearing his transfer to Real Madrid, and Wirtz’s teammate, Jeremie Frimpong, has emerged as Slot’s top pick for replacement.
Slot is pursuing a dual acquisition from Leverkusen, while interest is also growing for Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez.
Additionally, Real Madrid is preparing to make a final push for Wirtz, as Leverkusen feels confident that Bayern Munich may withdraw from their pursuit of the 22-year-old.
Should Liverpool finalize a deal for the German star, several current team members may be on their way out, with former player Danny Murphy pointing out who might be affected.
Updates on Liverpool Exits for 2025: Kelleher, Elliott, Nunez
Backup goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has expressed his desire to leave in search of a starting role, while England international Harvey Elliott is also being mentioned as a candidate for departure due to limited playing time.
In the attacking line, Darwin Nunez is being considered as a potential sale, with his previous club Benfica reportedly contemplating a £45m [$65m] offer to bring the Uruguayan back, following a modest tally of 40 goals in all competitions over three seasons at Anfield.
Wirtz’s ability to operate in various attacking positions—whether as a traditional No. 10 or a ‘false nine’—suggests that Nunez might be left out, according to Murphy.
“Wirtz prefers to play as a No. 10, which could lead to [Dominik] Szoboszlai adopting a deeper role, or he could serve as a false nine, keeping the midfield trio of [Alexis] Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, and [Ryan] Gravenberch intact,” as reported by TalkSPORT.
“If that scenario unfolds, I believe Nunez will be on his way out.”
Nunez’s contract extends until 2028, and Liverpool may need to accept a loss on the original transfer fee paid to Benfica in 2022, but Slot must generate funds to facilitate the Wirtz transfer.
Leverkusen is targeting a sum of £100m [$135m] up front, along with an additional £25m [$34m] in performance-based bonuses throughout his contract.
Liverpool News and Related Updates
- Liverpool transfer target sets a ‘start of June’ deadline for decision on future.
- A Liverpool legend makes surprising claims regarding Arne Slot’s strategy for Jeremie Frimpong.
- Liverpool and Tottenham have ‘made contact’ regarding the signing of a French winger this summer.
