Liverpool can destroy Bayer Leverkusen plan to cash in on Florian Wirtz transfer

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Liverpool's transfer radar is locked on Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz, though the club's initial offers for the Bundesliga sensation have been rebuffed.

The Reds set their sights on a bargain deal for the former Bundesliga Player of the Year, but Leverkusen is playing hardball. Discussions led by Liverpool's Richard Hughes and the German club's duo Simon Rolfes and Fernando Carro are stretching on. Leverkusen is understood to be angling for a fee in the region of $171 million, a figure Fenway Sports Group is reportedly willing to pay if need be.

Determined not to get caught up in lengthy negotiations as they look to wrap up business well ahead of pre-season, the Reds have already activated Jeremie Frimpong's release clause while lamenting Trent Alexander-Arnold's switch to Real Madrid.

Former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson has chimed in with his take on the Merseyside club's chase for Wirtz.

He believes Liverpool can destroy Leverkusen's dream of selling its prized asset to the highest bidder.

"I think the strategy of his agent, who is his father, is to remove any competition and, therefore, your auction has been destroyed if you're Leverkusen," he told Football Insider.

"Liverpool can say 'We'll wait it out, the player wants to come, we'll pay a good fee, but we're not paying £125 million ($169 million), or we'll pay £125 million if he wins the Ballon d'Or within the next three years.' Something like that.

(Image: Getty Images)

"It's an easy decision for Liverpool because if the player achieves those heights, it also means Liverpool have won everything.

"I would expect probably the deal to be done. I guess Leverkusen's leverage is that they can say, 'Well, to be honest, unless you're going to pay the fee, we'll keep him for another year.'

"But I think that feels like a bit of a bluff because clearly his contract is going to edge down. I don't know how attractive it would be for Wirtz to stay now.

"If he's got his mind set on moving, he's probably quite keen to move as soon as possible.

I think from where we are now, if you had to bet, you'd say he'll end up at Liverpool for £100 million ($135.2 million) down plus some add-ons."

In other news, Liverpool has agreed to sell backup goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher to Brentford for just $16.8 million. It's claimed that figure may increase to $24.2 million through add-ons.

Kelleher has already confirmed his desire to leave Anfield and become a first-choice goalkeeper, having celebrated his 26th birthday during the 2024-25 season.

Liverpool also has Giorgi Mamardashvili due to arrive on Merseyside shortly to be Alisson's understudy.

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