Steven Gerrard has backed Florian Wirtz to shine at Anfield and urged Liverpool to complete the transfer quickly.

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• Liverpool are relentlessly pursuing Wirtz
• The player has given his nod to the club
• Gerrard wants the transfer to be wrapped up

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Wirtz was a driving force behind Bayer Leverkusen's unprecedented success last season. The midfielder contributed 18 goals and 20 assists across all competitions, playing a crucial part in the club's remarkable domestic campaign. The German side claimed their first-ever Bundesliga title, lifted the German Cup and advanced all the way to the Europa League final.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite serious interest from Bayern Munich and Manchester City, Wirtz appears inclined toward a move to Liverpool, impressed by Arne Slot's vision and the environment at the reigning Premier League champions. The Dutch manager is understood to have held successful discussions with Wirtz, outlining a clear vision for the player's development within his system, which has further impressed the attacking midfielder.

• WHAT GERRARD SAID

  Speaking to TNT Sports, Gerrard said: "There are rumours obviously, Florian Wirtz. A big talent who's done fantastic for Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen. He's got a huge future in front of him, so if Liverpool is the place for him, let's hope we can make it happen."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  While Liverpool are now seen as frontrunners for the midfielder's signature, negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen remain ongoing. Liverpool's initial approach included a base fee of £84 million ($114m) supplemented by £12.6m in performance-based add-ons. When that offer was turned down, the Reds returned with an improved package worth around £109.6m ($149m) – but Leverkusen once again stood firm. Despite the setbacks, Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards has received approval to commit up to €150m (£127m/$173m) from the club's transfer budget to finalize a deal for Wirtz.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News