Florian Wirtz Compared to Liverpool Legend Who Also Broke the British Transfer Record

Liverpool are on the verge of shattering multiple transfer records with the blockbuster signing of Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz, drawing parallels to a club legend who similarly redefined the Reds' spending limits.

The 22-year-old German international has reportedly agreed personal terms on a five-year deal with Liverpool, despite interest from Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City. Leverkusen held firm, rejecting three bids before accepting a fee around €150m (£126m / $171m), making Wirtz the most expensive signing in Liverpool's history. This eclipses Darwin Núñez's £85.4m move from Benfica in 2022, which included £64m upfront and £21.4m in add-ons. Núñez has scored 40 goals in 143 appearances but is now a bit-part player under Arne Slot, with Saudi side Al-Hilal linked.

The article highlights striking similarities with Kai Havertz, a Liverpool legend in this context? Wait—no, Havertz's £71m transfer from Leverkusen to Chelsea in 2020 broke the British record at the time (initial £62m plus £9m add-ons). Like Wirtz, Havertz exploded at the BayArena with 36 goals and 25 assists in 118 games, attracting top clubs. He scored in the 2021 Champions League final for Chelsea but later moved to Arsenal. Wirtz, with comparable output (exact stats align in scouting reports showing "lots of green" per FBref), represents Liverpool's bold new strategy under Slot—paying premium for elite youth rather than traditional "moneyball" deals like Van Dijk's £75m.

This deal also sets a British transfer record, surpassing previous benchmarks and signaling Liverpool's intent as Premier League champions. Analysts call the €135m-£126m fee a bargain for Wirtz's versatility, compared to teammates like Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, and Alexis Mac Allister. Liverpool broke records twice recently (Wirtz at £100m+, Isak at £125m), emphasizing a shift to genuine world-class talent at peak value.

Wirtz's arrival promises to elevate Arne Slot's midfield, blending youth and proven impact much like Havertz's transformative potential—though Liverpool hope for greater consistency at Anfield.

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