Florian Wirtz Joins Liverpool in Blockbuster Transfer: Why He’s Worth Every Penny
Liverpool have made headlines by completing the sensational signing of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal that could reach £116 million. It’s a massive outlay, but if Wirtz’s performances over the past few seasons are anything to go by, the investment might just be a bargain in disguise.
After a relatively subdued 2024 transfer window, the Premier League champions have wasted no time getting down to business this summer. With the ink barely dry on Jeremie Frimpong’s deal, Liverpool returned to Leverkusen and pulled off an even bigger coup signing one of the most gifted playmakers in world football.
Many assumed Wirtz would end up at Bayern Munich or possibly Manchester City but the 22-year-old chose Anfield instead, turning down giants of Europe for the project under Arne Slot.
This is no ordinary signing. Wirtz arrives as one of the most exciting talents in Europe, a player whose numbers scream world-class potential. Liverpool broke their own transfer record, and possibly the British record too, for a reason.
From Wonderkid to World-Class
Wirtz’s rise began early. After joining Leverkusen from FC Köln at just 16, he made his debut shortly after turning 17 and wasted no time, scoring against Bayern Munich three weeks later to become the Bundesliga’s youngest ever scorer at the time.
Despite a torn ACL in 2022, his comeback was swift and strong. He registered 12 goal involvements in just half a season in 2022-23. The following year, under Xabi Alonso, Wirtz was central to Leverkusen’s historic unbeaten Bundesliga title win, scoring 18 goals and providing 19 assists in 47 games.
Last season, he continued his form, racking up 16 goals and 14 assists, including 12 from open play—a number bettered only by Mohamed Salah and Lamine Yamal across Europe’s top five leagues.
A Statistical Marvel
Wirtz is more than just flashy footwork. He’s a tactical asset, capable of dictating play, slicing open defences and creating scoring opportunities. He ranked in the top tier for progressive passes and received passes in the Bundesliga, showing how involved he is in moving play forward.
He led Leverkusen for chances created from open play and was among Europe’s best for key passes and dribbles completed. He averaged 2.1 chances created per 90, better than any Liverpool player bar Salah last season.
Wirtz also boasts elite ball retention and attacking precision. He completed the most dribbles (82) in the Bundesliga in 2024-25 and was one of only three players to hit the target with at least 50% of his shots (39 of 78).
In Europe, he shone brightly too; named Player of the Match five times in 10 Champions League appearances and creating more chances than any of his teammates.
Built for Klopp’s Legacy, Fit for Slot’s Vision
Defensively, Wirtz fits Liverpool’s high-octane system like a glove. He registered more high turnovers per 90 minutes than any other Bundesliga player last season and led Leverkusen in pressing stats, including Champions League pressures (679).
That’s important, especially with Liverpool’s pressing system being a hallmark of their identity. He’ll fit into a midfield that’s being reshaped in the post-Klopp era but still relies heavily on intensity off the ball.
Slot may have multiple options for where to deploy Wirtz. He played mostly as a left-sided No.10 under Alonso, drifting into pockets and linking play. At Liverpool, he could mirror that role- cutting in from the left while the width is maintained by a full-back like Milos Kerkez.
He could also function as a false nine, à la Roberto Firmino, or settle in as the primary No.10, taking over the creative burden from Dominik Szoboszlai, who might be pushed slightly deeper given his preference for that role.
De Bruyne Comparisons and Creative Expectations
Statistically, Wirtz compares favourably with Kevin De Bruyne, at least the 2024-25 version. Their radar profiles were eerily similar last season, though Wirtz is just entering his prime. If he keeps improving, the German could become the Premier League’s next elite playmaker.
He outperformed Szoboszlai in goal involvements, touches per 90, and expected assists, though the Hungarian has grown into a deeper midfield role. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see both dovetail in the same XI, with Wirtz providing the cutting edge and Szoboszlai the engine.
Ready for the Premier League Test
Wirtz has already proven himself on the international stage. He became Germany’s youngest scorer in a European Championship knockout game last year and has continued to impress with goals in the Nations League and Euro 2024.
Upon signing, Wirtz said:
“This is a new challenge I’ve been looking forward to. I wanted something different. Everyone who knows the Premier League says it’s the best place to grow, and I’m excited to get started.”
And so are Liverpool fans.
He’s young. He’s brilliant. He’s battle-tested. And now, he’s wearing red. The price tag might be big, but if Florian Wirtz lights up Anfield the way he did the BayArena, Liverpool will consider this one of their smartest moves yet.
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