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Bayer Leverkusen has posted a cryptic - and slightly bizarre - post on X of Florian Wirtz, as the attacker’s potential move to Liverpool continues to gather pace.
The 22-year-old was the subject of a second, improved bid from the Reds on Friday, which would see the club break the £100million mark for the first time in its history.
With a growing sense that it’s a matter of time until Wirtz is a Red, Leverkusen’s social media activity on Saturday was particularly intriguing.
Without context, the 2024/25 German champions sent a post on X five separate photos of Wirtz collecting Player of the Match awards in the Champions League this season
Leverkusen were eliminated by Bayern Munich in the Champions League last-16
It may also be in reference to Saturday’s Champions League final, perhaps indicating a sense of bitterness that Leverkusen is not involved in the showpiece occasion in Munich.
The side managed by Xabi Alonso beat finalists Inter Milan earlier in this season’s competition, with the Italians set to face Paris Saint-Germain.
Wirtz collected more Player of the Match trophies in the competition this season than anyone else, with three in his first four games, and five across the eight league-phase matches.
Wirtz could be a Liverpool player soon
Leverkusen finished sixth in the league phase but was eliminated in the round of 16 after drawing rivals Bayern Munich.
The German champions looked set to be Wirtz’s new landing spot just over a week ago, but a surprise turnaround has seen Liverpool establish itself as the favorites.
Reports in Germany have indicated Arne Slot convinced the Bundesliga player of the season to join Liverpool after a detailed tactical breakdown, while Wirtz was unsure where he would fit into Vincent Kompany’s plans at Bayern due to Jamal Musiala, who operates in a similar position.
The Leverkusen star, who has earned 29 international caps, prefers to play as a no.10, but is comfortable as an attacking midfielder, striker, or even in the wide areas.