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Liverpool’s pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz appears to be reaching its conclusion.

Reports have suggested the  deal is “99% done” while the 22-year-old German international demonstrated both his quality and determination during Germany’s 2-1 defeat to Portugal in Wednesday’s Nations League semi-final.

Despite facing criticism from German media for his overall performance, Liverpool supporters found plenty to admire in Wirtz’s display, particularly his well-taken goal and physical commitment that offered a glimpse of what could soon arrive at Anfield.

The Merseyside club has been locked in intense negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen over what would become a British transfer record, with the latest reports indicating that personal terms have already been agreed between Liverpool and Wirtz.

BILD reports that the German playmaker has accepted a five-year contract at Anfield worth between €20-22 million annually.

The deal structure is expected to reach between €140-150 million (£118-127 million), surpassing the current British record of £115 million that Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo

And according to Kicker, Bayer Leverkusen seem to want to leverage Erik Ten Hag’s connections with Manchester United to help replace the 22-year-old.

The German outlet has claimed that Die Werkself want both Antony and Alejandro Garnacho from Old Trafford:

“Should Florian Wirtz leave the club this summer, as is expected, Bayer Leverkusen want to replace him and Frimpong with three new and high-quality offensive players.”

“Como’s Nico Paz is a hot candidate for the number 10 position.”

“Meanwhile, the club made an inquiry to Manchester United regarding Alejandro Garnacho.

Antony is also a candidate.”

If reports are to be believed, then the former Manchester United manager is continuing the trend of only signing players he has worked with in the past.

Meanwhile, when approached by journalists in the mixed zone after the game, the Daily Mail’s Lewis Steele asked Wirtz directly if he was excited about joining Liverpool, receiving what appeared to be a confirming nod from the player.

This marked the first time Wirtz had acknowledged the transfer speculation so directly, suggesting confidence that the deal will be completed.

Earlier in the week, Wirtz also took to Instagram to address claims about his potential shirt number at Liverpool, posting:

“Who says I want the 10.

Don’t believe everything what’s written”.

The message was seen as both denying reports that he wanted Alexis Mac Allister’s number 10 shirt and subtly confirming his intention to make the Anfield switch.

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