Liverpool teki 130 miljoonan tarjouksen Florian Wirtzistä – Leverkusen kieltäytyi myymästä tähtipelaajaansa

Liverpool teki 130 miljoonan tarjouksen Florian Wirtzistä – Leverkusen kieltäytyi myymästä tähtipelaajaansa

By now, it’s become clear: Liverpool has its eyes firmly set on Florian Wirtz, the 22-year-old midfield marvel lighting up the Bundesliga. But Bayer Leverkusen? They’re not even entertaining the conversation—no matter how thick the envelope is.

According to respected journalist Christian Falk, the Reds came back to the negotiating table with a jaw-dropping second offer: €130 million for Wirtz. And yet, Leverkusen gave it a flat “nein.” Their price tag? A cool €150 million. If paid, it would make Wirtz one of the most expensive midfielders in Europe—not to mention a symbol of where modern football is headed.

Why the Holdout?

At a glance, you might wonder: why say no to a nine-figure offer? But Wirtz isn’t your average transfer target. This isn’t some flash-in-the-pan wonderkid or a name hyped more than it’s earned. This is Leverkusen’s Golden Boy—arguably the most critical piece of their squad puzzle and a huge reason the club just enjoyed its most historic season to date.

Wirtz was instrumental in Leverkusen’s dream 2023–24 campaign:

  • 45 appearances
  • 16 goals
  • 15 assists across all competitions

In the Bundesliga alone, he hit double digits in both goals and assists—earning him the coveted Player of the Season title. Not bad for someone who only turned 22 this year.

And let’s not forget: Leverkusen pulled off a historic double—winning both the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal, breaking Bayern’s long-standing grip on domestic dominance.

A Star in the Making

For Leverkusen, Wirtz isn’t just a talented player. He’s a homegrown emblem of everything they’re building. Snagged from FC Köln’s U19 squad in 2020, he was barely out of his teens when he broke into the first team. Since then, he’s stacked up nearly 200 official appearances in red and black—along with an army of admirers across Europe.

He’s not going to be around forever. Everyone knows that. But with three years left on his contract, Leverkusen isn’t in a rush. Holding out for €150 million is a signal: they’re open to talks—but only on their terms.

Liverpool’s New Era—and Why Wirtz Matters

With Jürgen Klopp stepping down and a new managerial era dawning, Liverpool is in transition. In the club’s vision of the future, it seems Wirtz could be a centerpiece.

And this isn’t the first time Liverpool has dipped into Leverkusen’s talent pool. Wing-back Jeremie Frimpong—another rising star from Xabi Alonso’s title-winning squad—has already made the move to Merseyside. So yes, the channels between the two clubs are open. But even so—Wirtz is seen as next-level.

At €130 million, Liverpool made a serious move. But for a player who’s helped flip the Bundesliga on its head and still has years left to grow? Leverkusen clearly believes it’s worth holding out for more.

What Happens Now?

Here’s what’s likely on the table:

  • Liverpool could return with a third offer, either matching the €150 million or increasing bonuses to tempt Leverkusen.
  • Leverkusen might hold firm and keep Wirtz for another season, hoping for a further rise in value—or risking an injury or drop in form.
  • The upcoming UEFA Euro 2024 tournament could act as a multiplier. A strong showing from Wirtz in a Germany shirt could skyrocket his value and attract additional offers from rival European giants.

Let’s not forget: Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich are all watching closely, ready to enter the fray at the right moment.

The Ball’s in Leverkusen’s Court

Right now, Leverkusen is holding all the cards. They’ve got a generational talent under contract, a squad on the rise, and no pressing need to sell. Meanwhile, Liverpool wants to rebuild quickly—and views Wirtz, with his creativity, poise, and vision, as a potential cornerstone.

Is he worth €150 million? That depends on your perspective. To Leverkusen, he’s priceless; to Liverpool, he might be the missing piece.

But one thing’s for sure: this transfer saga is just heating up and might be one of the summer’s most headline-grabbing stories.

Quick Recap:

  • Liverpool offered €130 million for Florian Wirtz—Leverkusen said no.
  • Leverkusen is standing firm at €150 million.
  • Wirtz racked up 16 goals and 15 assists in the 2023–24 season.
  • He’s under contract until 2027.
  • This saga could escalate as UEFA Euro 2024 approaches.

So, what do you think? Should Liverpool go all-in and meet Leverkusen’s asking price? Is Wirtz the next midfield maestro at Anfield—or too high of a financial risk?