Rudi Völler, the director of the German national team, has asserted that Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz was inclined to join Liverpool well before the Reds’ interest in a summer transfer became apparent.
Liverpool is on the verge of making Wirtz the most expensive player in Premier League history after reaching an agreement on a fee of €136.3 million (£116.6 million, $156.6 million) with Leverkusen. The 22-year-old is expected to undergo his medical examination on Friday.
As the summer transfer window approached, Bayern Munich seemed to be in the lead for Wirtz’s signature, with Manchester City and Real Madrid trailing behind. However, a meeting with Liverpool manager Arne Slot in mid-May changed the entire narrative.
Although this meeting seemed to mark the start of Wirtz’s interest in a transfer to Liverpool, Völler has indicated that the Germany international has been inclined towards a move to Anfield this summer for quite some time.
“I was aware, due to my closeness to Bayer Leverkusen, as well as from his family and from him directly, of the inquiries he received—it was not solely Liverpool or Bayern Munich, but there were additional clubs as well,” Völler stated during Toni Kroos’s podcast Einfach mal Luppen.”
A few months prior, he indicated to me, as did his father, that he was leaning towards a move to Liverpool.
“Völler, reflecting on the transfer from his position as Germany’s director, remarked: “There was a general hope that he would remain in Leverkusen for another year and not depart until after the World Cup. That would have been my preferred outcome. However, this situation is perfectly acceptable.”
The young man is prepared for the Premier League.
“Once Liverpool finalizes their acquisition of Wirtz, who is anticipated to sign a five-year contract, the Reds will continue their pursuit of additional reinforcements.
Bournemouth’s left-back Milos Kerkez is expected to join the German shortly thereafter in a deal valued at approximately £40 million ($53.8 million).