BILD reporter  Axel Hesse has broken down the numbers behind Liverpool’s deal to sign Florian Wirtz.

Reports emerged on Tuesday night that Liverpool had secured an agreement in principle to sign Wirtz.

After seeing three of their bids rejected by Bayer Leverkusen, the Reds finally reached a breakthrough in negotiations with  the German club.

This was first revealed by reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, who revealed that “Liverpool verbally agree deal in principle with Bayer Leverkusen for package reaching €150m add-ons included.”

BILD reveal Florian Wirtz Liverpool debut game	Liverpool transfer target Florian Wirtz panned by BILD following Germany's loss to France in Nations League Finals	Wirtz’s first Liverpool training and debut date leaked by Bild

The journalist also revealed that the 22-year-old German is soon to become a Liverpool player, as his medical is scheduled to take place in the coming days.

The news of the agreement between Liverpool and Leverkusen was also confirmed by Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, who wrote that “Florian Wirtz to Liverpool is considered to be a done deal!”

Liverpool’s patient but firm approach in negotiations have  paid off and they are set to get their main transfer target.

But exactly how much will Liverpool pay for Wirtz, who was claimed to be too pricey for Manchester City?

According to BILD journalist Axel Hasse, Liverpool could potentially pay a total of around €150m for the signing of Wirtz.

According to the report, “Bayer Leverkusen will receive only around €140m in fixed transfer fees and realistic bonus payments over the next five years for Florian Wirtz, while an additional €10m could be added for extraordinary achievements.”

The report also clarified the reason why the transfer fee is spread over five seasons, and why it makes sense for Bayer Leverkusen.

“The fact that the total amount is spread over several years is more of an advantage than a disadvantage for B04,” the journalist added.

“If the entire sum were to be paid as a one-off payment, they would have to invest all of the money this year – or pay tax on the surplus at the end of the year and then transfer it to Bayer AG in the form of a profit transfer.

“Because sales totaling around €250m are pending this summer, the income will be spread over several years through installment payments and additional payments.

This was already the case with the sale of Kai Havertz five years ago.”

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