Florian Wirtz has officially joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen ahead of the 2025-26 Premier League season, becoming Germany’s most expensive footballer with a transfer fee of around €150 million (approximately $174 million, including bonuses)[1].[7] The 22-year-old attacking midfielder was highly sought after across Europe, but chose Liverpool for their status and vision, stating, “I wanted to join a club that ranks among the top three in the world, and in my opinion, Liverpool is one of them”[5].
The record-breaking deal eclipses all previous Bundesliga departures, as Wirtz signed a contract that will reportedly earn him between €20-22 million per year[1]. He completed his medical in Liverpool and is set for a minimum salary of £195,000 per week, rising to £245,000 with bonuses[7].
Wirtz leaves Leverkusen after a transformative five-year stint, during which he played 140 matches with 35 goals and 47 assists, helping the club secure their first-ever Bundesliga title and a second DFB-Pokal in 2024[1].[2] He was twice voted Bundesliga Player of the Month in 2025 and recorded his first league hat-trick in the title-sealing win over Werder Bremen in April 2024[2].[4]
Internationally, Wirtz has scored seven goals in 31 appearances for Germany, and made history with the fastest goal ever for his nation, scoring in just seven seconds during a friendly against France[2].
On joining Liverpool, Wirtz shared his excitement for the new chapter and expressed gratitude towards the fans, acknowledging their enthusiastic support throughout the transfer saga[5]. At Anfield, he is expected to become central to Arne Slot’s tactical plans and will aim to build on the stellar progress he made in both Bundesliga and European competitions[7].