Negotiations between Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen over a deal taking Florian Wirtz to Anfield are in the final stages, with the clubs speaking daily as they try to reach an agreement.
Liverpool made an improved second offer for the 22–year-old Germany playmaker last week worth around €134million (£113m), with about €118.7m (£100m) guaranteed.
This proposal was not rejected as such and talks continue in order to settle on a package that is acceptable to both sides, but Liverpool have no intention to bid as high as the reported €150m (£126.4m) asking price for the attacking midfielder.
The discussions — led by Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes and Leverkusen managing director of sport Simon Rolfes — are now mainly focused on the structure and specifically payment terms, plus the nature of any add-ons.
A medical has also yet to be arranged. The first part of this summer’s transfer window, created for the Club World Cup, has now closed and will not reopen until June 16, giving time for both clubs to agree the finer details of this agreement.
The magnitude of the transfer, allied to Leverkusen not specifically needing a trade and Liverpool wanting to work within their parameters, explains why the parties are going into such detail over the situation and it is taking understandable time and patience to find a resolution.
There is a level of respect within the dialogue that should produce an amicable outcome for what would be Liverpool’s record signing and Leverkusen’s biggest sale.
There is, meanwhile, a possible departure from Merseyside in the form of Darwin Nunez. Al Hilal contacted Liverpool about the Uruguay striker on Monday and the Saudi Pro League team were made aware about the conditions of a move.
Liverpool rejected a proposal worth €70m from Al Nassr in January and that sets a minimum bar if an exit is to materialise. Nunez is thought to favour staying in Europe — Spain and Italy being a priority. Atletico Madrid are among those considering the forward.
The 25-year-old has scored 40 goals across three seasons at Anfield since joining from Benfica in 2022.
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