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Florian Wirtz is edging closer to a move to Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool aren't just eyeing a top-tier talent in Florian Wirtz - they're chasing a player with genuine character.

In an act of class and respect, Wirtz is said to have personally phoned Kompany to explain his reasoning, according to Bild.

This gesture indicates that the 22-year-old offers more than just technical brilliance - he also appears to bring maturity and professionalism that would benefit Liverpool, assuming the deal is finalised in the coming weeks.



That maturity might explain why Liverpool are prepared to smash their existing transfer record to secure his services.

Ownership group Fenway Sports Group (FSG) reportedly gave the green light for a massive offer earlier this month, following CEO Michael Edwards' visit to the US to pitch Wirtz's value face-to-face.

However, Wirtz's rejection of Bayern wasn't purely about Liverpool's financial clout.

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The same Bild report claims he was moved by the atmosphere at Anfield during Leverkusen's Champions League clash against the Reds last November.

The day after the match, Leverkusen were invited to train at Liverpool's Melwood complex - and Wirtz was said to be deeply impressed by the "state-of-the-art" setup.

Florian Wirtz (L) reportedly phoned Vincent Kompany (R) out of respect to explain the reason for his snub(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool manager Arne Slot is also thought to have been influential in swaying Wirtz, even if indirectly.

He'll face immense pressure to deliver from day one, particularly if he eclipses the club's current transfer record, held by Darwin Nunez, who arrived from Benfica for £85m in 2022, but has struggled to meet expectations.

Article continues belowWirtz was reportedly impressed by the atmosphere at Anfield, as well as the facilities at Liverpool's Melwood training ground(Image: PA)

If Leverkusen's demands are met, Wirtz would officially become the priciest player in English football history.

The existing record is held by Moises Caicedo, whose £115m switch from Brighton to Chelsea in 2023 - a transfer Liverpool nearly hijacked - set the benchmark, just ahead of Chelsea's £106m move for Enzo Fernandez and the £105m Arsenal paid for Declan Rice.

Still, it wouldn't surpass the biggest deal involving a Premier League team, which remains Philippe Coutinho's £142m transfer from Liverpool to Barcelona in 2018.


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