Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Image Credits: Getty Images

BILD has revealed when Liverpool first indicated interest in signing Florian Wirtz.

Liverpool’s interest in Wirtz appeared to have come out of nowhere.

It was a known fact that the Reds would be busy in the transfer market, but few people expected that the club had a player like Wirtz in its sights.

This was partly because Liverpool had not been mentioned as one of the major clubs interested in his services.

The likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City and especially Bayer Munich were thought to be more interested in signing him.

The Bavarians were thought to be leading the race for the German international and had reportedly secured some form of assurances from Wirtz’s father, Hans.

However, Liverpool eventually emerged as the frontrunners for the 22-year-old after entering the fray a few weeks ago.

The Reds had reportedly met Wirtz and his family, and a face-to-face meeting between the player and Arne Slot convinced him to choose a move to Anfield over joining Bayern Munich or Manchester City, who were also initially keen on signing him as a replacement for Kevin De Bruyne.

As things stand, the 22-year-old has verbally agreed to Liverpool’s offer and the Reds and Bayer Leverkusen have agreed on a deal that will see him become the most expensive German player ever.

BILD has now revealed when Liverpool first showed interest in the player.

Writing for the German publication, journalist Axel Hesse and Pippo Arens revealed that Liverpool had first made clear their desire to speak to Wirtz in February.

“FC Bayern had long seen themselves at an advantage in the race to sign Florian Wirtz, but the reality was different: Liverpool FC first indicated to Bayer Leverkusen in February that they saw good chances of getting Wirtz’s commitment,” they said (via Bayer04Xtra).

The report also revealed how Wirtz rejected Leverkusen’s advances to extend his contract after being left impressed by Arne Slot.

“In March, they asked for permission to contact the player personally.

Leverkusen agreed, even though the club wanted to extend Wirtz’s contract beyond 2027.

From mid-March onwards, the Bayer bosses sensed that they would not be able to keep Wirtz, as he was becoming less and less receptive to their offer.

“At the beginning of May, he told sporting director Simon Rolfes that he wanted to leave the club.

He did not say where he would go, but had indicated internally in previous weeks that he felt ready to play abroad and was particularly attracted to the Premier League.

Liverpool in particular, with coach Arne Slot, had impressed him in their talks.

“After his visit to Liverpool on May 13, the decision was made?

He accepted FC Bayern’s invitation for May 18, but their attempts to change his mind were in vain.”

Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone
For more news relating to Manchester City, visit our sister site City Latest Live.