Florian Wirtz has opened up about his decision to join Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen, revealing that it wasn’t an easy choice. The 22-year-old German midfielder has signed a five-year contract with the Reds, making him the club’s record signing with a deal worth £116 million ($156.1 million) ¹.

What Made Wirtz Choose Liverpool?

Wirtz credits the convincing talks with Liverpool’s coaching staff and sporting director Richard Hughes for winning him over. He was particularly impressed by the club’s vision and ambitions, which align with his own goals. Wirtz stated, “It was not that easy for me, for sure… but I think the talks with the coach and Richard and everybody were, from the very first time, so good and it just kept going like this.”

Overcoming Initial Doubts

Despite initial reservations, Wirtz was eventually won over by Liverpool’s project. He wasn’t expecting to join the club, but after discussions with Arne Slot and Richard Hughes, he became convinced that Anfield was the right destination for him. Wirtz’s family also played a significant role in his decision, with his father supporting his move to Liverpool ¹.

A Top Target for Liverpool

Wirtz’s signing is a major coup for Liverpool, who beat off competition from Bayern Munich and Manchester City to secure his services. The German international’s impressive form for Bayer Leverkusen and the German national team made him a top target for several top clubs. Liverpool’s ability to convince Wirtz to join their ranks is a testament to the club’s growing appeal and ambitious project ².

Wirtz’s Impact on Liverpool

With his exceptional creativity, vision, and versatility, Wirtz is expected to make a significant impact at Liverpool. He will provide competition for places in the midfield and add depth to the squad. Wirtz’s ability to play in various positions, including as a number 10 or on the wing, will give Arne Slot more options to choose from ³.

Jurgen Klopp’s Thoughts

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has also shared his thoughts on Wirtz’s transfer. While Klopp initially expressed reservations about paying high transfer fees, he acknowledged that the football landscape has changed. He believes Wirtz is an outstanding player who can bring something special to the club ⁴.

Overall, Wirtz’s decision to join Liverpool is a significant coup for the club, and he is expected to make a major contribution to the team’s success in the coming seasons.