‘Liverpool stars being sold to fund record-breaking Florian Wirtz deal’
Liverpool are closing in on a marquee British-record deal to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz ahead of Bayern Munich and Man City.
Football Insider revealed on Saturday (24 May) that Liverpool are making progress towards a £125million deal for the 22-year-old.
Wirtz has attracted interest from Europe’s top clubs after notching 16 goals and 15 assists for Leverkusen in the 2024-25 campaign.
Liverpool are set to break the bank to land the playmaker, with the Reds’ current transfer record standing at the £85million fee paid to land Darwin Nunez in 2022.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has claimed he expects Liverpool to sell forward players to raise cash and make space for Wirtz’s arrival.
Liverpool plotting forward sales, says Wyness
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted Liverpool will give themselves room to operate in as they plot further signings this summer.
Nunez looks certain to leave Liverpool this summer, while the Merseyside giants could consider a mega-money offer for winger Luis Diaz amid Saudi Pro League interest.
Wyness hailed Liverpool’s “fantastic” business as they look to strike an early-window deal for Wirtz.
| Appearances (Starts) | 45 (36) |
| Minutes Played | 3392 |
| Goals | 16 |
| Assists | 15 |
| Yellow Cards | 8 |
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “There are going to be some divestments in the forward line at Liverpool, in particular.
“That’s where I see the space being freed up for Wirtz to come in.
“They’re going to be okay with PSR, even with the huge cost of this deal. Arne Slot did nothing in last summer’s transfer window, and they’ve done well on the commercial side.
“Liverpool will give themselves room to operate in.
“Wirtz is obviously the marquee signing and I am very surprised because they look like they’ve got it over the line, apparently.
“To get such a good signing off so early is fantastic for Liverpool, and I expect them to get it done.”
Kelleher to Aston Villa edges closer
Meanwhile, Football Insider has revealed (23 May) that Aston Villa’s pursuit of Caoimhin Kelleher has been given a significant boost by Liverpool.
Kelleher is high on Villa’s shortlist with Unai Emery on the hunt for a new number one this summer.
Sources say Liverpool are “open to selling” the Republic of Ireland international with one year left on his contract.
For more Liverpool and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.