Late in the afternoon of June 13, the Florian Wirtz deal received the consent of Leverkusen after Liverpool raised the asking price to £116 million. This amount includes a £100 million advance payment fee along with a £16 million add-on fee. The German star's contract is for 5 years.
This is a record transfer fee in Liverpool's history. It could be the most expensive contract in Premier League history if the add-ons are taken into account. Leverkusen had previously demanded a transfer fee of more than £136 million but had eventually found a consensus with the Premier League partner.
Thus, from next season, Wirtz will play for The Kop in Arne Slot's formation. With Liverpool's current squad of many attacking stars, where Wirtz is is is not simple. If Slot's attacking stars do not leave this summer, Wirtz could have to compete fiercely for the starting position in the reigning Premier League champions.
This past season, Arne Slot often used Dominik Szoboszlai as the only attacking midfielder. The Hungarian midfielder played quite well but did not fully demonstrate the qualities needed in that position. The reason Szobo is appreciated by his coaches is because he also has many effects when he does not have the ball such as his excellent ability to press the whole pitch.
Running over the edge is one of Liverpool's playing styles last season. Szobo's playing style also tends to attract the opposing defender, creating space for other teammates to penetrate the penalty area. Or, he could be the one to directly pass to the far post to make breakthroughs.
Although this playing style is beneficial for the Liverpool team, Szoboszlai has not really stood out personally. He only has 6 goals and 7 assists after 36 appearances, this is not an impressive index. Looking at Florian Wirtz, this midfielder has 21 goals and 25 assists in the Bundesliga last season, showing his overwhelming power in attack.
Compared to Szoboszlai, Wirtz focuses more on details. He had many skillful dribbles and delicate touches in the opponent's penalty area. Compared to Szoboszlai, who is as powerful as a tank, Wirtz is like a sharp knife. By combining these two stars to play right in the center, Slot could create a superb attack.
In addition to the center forward, Wirtz can play in any position in the attack. This is something Slot really needs to rotate his squad in a harsh environment like the Premier League. Once a player up front is injured, Wirtz can immediately fill that position. From the German national team to Leverkusen, the 22-year-old midfielder has shown impressive diversity.
This past season, Arne Slot's Liverpool showed that the strength of the attack line through wingers, not focusing much on the strikers. Wirtz's presence could ease the pressure on The Kop to sign a top striker. At such a young age, he could gradually replace Mohamed Salah in attack as the Egyptian striker prepares to turn 33 this month.
