Florian Wirtz's signing for Liverpool reorder the Top 10 of the most expensive transfers in history.
Photo: AFP – Pau Barrena
Summary and Fast Informame
Listen to this article
Audio generated with Google
Florian Wirtz already has a new team. After months of speculation, rumors with Bayern Munich, Real Madrid for its relationship with Xabi Alonso, and even a meeting with Manchester City, the talented German midfielder was confirmed as a new reinforcement of Liverpool.
At 22, Wirtz becomes the third most expensive signing in the history of football: 150 million euros, including bonds, was the amount that the English club had to disburse to convince Bayer Leverkusen.
A demanding negotiation
The president of Leverkusen, Fernando Carro, had already warned him a year ago in an interview with Radio Marca: “We would not sell to Wirtz for less than 150 million.” Liverpool tried first with an offer of 125 million, but was rejected. The second, adjusted to the demanded price, finally closed the deal.
Wirtz signed a contract until 2030 and did not hide his emotion: “I feel very happy and proud. Finally, I have been waiting for a long time. My goal is to win the Premier League and go further in the Champions League. I am very ambitious.”
The 10 most expensive signings in history:
- Neymar (Barcelona → PSG): 222 m €
- Kylian Mbapé (monaco → PSG): 180 m€ m€ m€
- Florian Wirtz (Leverkusen → Liverpool): 150 M€
- Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool → Barcelona): 135 M€
- Ousmane Dembélé (Dortmund → Barcelona): 135 m €
- Joao Félix (Benfica → Atlético): 127 M €
- Enzo Fernández (Benfica → Chelsea): 121 m €
- Eden Hazard (Chelsea → Real Madrid): 120,8 M€
- Antoine Griezmann (Atlético → Barcelona): 120 m €
- Jack Grealish (Aston Villa → Man. City): 117,5 M€
The signing of Wirtz also has historical consequences: Cristiano Ronaldo, whose transfer to Juventus cost 117 million, is outside the Top 10.
Of promise to figure
Wirtz formed in the minor divisions of the colony, but it was the Bayer Leverkusen who opted for him in 2020. According to Simon Rolfes, sports director of the club: “I discovered it with 13 years. Having brought it for free was incredible. He has taken the club to another level.”
And he showed it. In 197 games with the Leverkusen, he scored 57 goals and gave 65 assists. It was a key piece to win the German Cup and, above all, to conquer the first Bundesliga in the history of the club. In fact, he scored a triplet in the 5-0 win against Werder Bremen who sealed the title.
Stellar reinforcement for the new Liverpool
With his arrival at Anfield, Wirtz joins a high -level midfield next to Gravenberch, Mac Allister and Szoboszlai. In addition, he will continue sharing costumes with Jeremie Frimpong, who also arrives from the Leverkusen. All under the command of Arne Slot, new coach of the 'Reds'.
🚴🏻⚽🏀 The latest in sports?: Everything you should know about world sport is in the spectator
