‘Liverpool call Leverkusen’s bluff over Florian Wirtz as cut-price deal to be completed’
Liverpool could be set to agree the blockbuster signing of Florian Wirtz as they look to strengthen their squad this summer.
Manchester City have given up on signing Wirtz after falling behind the Merseyside giants in the race for his signature.
Football Insider revealed on 24 May Liverpool are closing in on a deal for Wirtz, with Bayer Leverkusen believed to be looking for a fee in the region of £125million.
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider the strategy of the Germany international’s agent, who is his father, is to remove the competition for his son’s signature.
The 22-year-old registered 16 goals and 15 assists in 45 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen across the latest campaign.
Liverpool have already wrapped up the signing of Jeremie Frimpong in a £29.5million deal from the Bundesliga club.
Arne Slot led his side to the Premier League title in his first campaign at Anfield after replacing Jurgen Klopp last summer.
Florian Wirtz strategy revealed as Liverpool close on deal
Borson revealed Liverpool could agree add-ons that would see them pay £125million for Wirtz if he is named the Ballon d’Or in the future.
He told Football Insider: “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.
“Liverpool can say ‘We’ll wait it out, the player wants to come, we’ll pay a good fee, but we’re not paying £125million, or we’ll pay £125million if he wins the Ballon d’Or within the next three years’. Something like that.
“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 £100million down plus some add-ons.”
Liverpool could accept Luis Diaz offer
Football Insider revealed on 23 May Liverpool are prepared to accept a “huge” offer for Luis Diaz this summer.
The Merseysiders would like to keep the Colombia international, but are open to offers that could allow them to reinvest in their squad.
The 28-year-old registered 17 goals and eight assists in 50 appearances in the latest campaign.
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