Florian Wirtz Joins Liverpool
Florian Wirtz has left the Bundesliga to join the English Premier League. After undergoing a medical check, Liverpool confirmed that the German star had signed with the club. Bayer Leverkusen and Liverpool agreed on a transfer deal worth around 150 million euros, including bonus payments, making Wirtz the most expensive transfer in Bundesliga history.
Record-Breaking Transfer
The previous record was held by Borussia Dortmund, who received a total package of 135 million euros from FC Barcelona for Ousmane Dembele in the summer of 2018. Dembele has been playing for Paris St. Germain since 2023. Wirtz’s transfer surpasses this record, solidifying his position as one of the most valuable players in the Bundesliga.
Career and Earnings
Wirtz is expected to earn between 20 and 22 million euros per year at Liverpool. He is considered one of the greatest talents in German football, alongside Jamal Musiala from Bayern Munich. Wirtz developed his skills in the youth section of Bundesliga club Cologne before joining Leverkusen at the age of 16. He made his Bundesliga debut at 17 and has since become a key player for the team.
Early Life and Career
Wirtz’s journey to becoming a professional footballer began at a young age. He started playing football at the age of 4 in his hometown of Cologne. His first coach was his father, Hans-Joachim, who is now his agent and closest advisor. Wirtz has credited his family, particularly his sister Juliane, with helping him develop his skills. Juliane is also a professional footballer, currently playing for Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga.
Defensive Quality
While Wirtz is known for his offensive strengths and creativity, he also contributes significantly to his team’s defense. He is known for his high work rate, running over 10 kilometers per game, and is often involved in regaining possession of the ball. His defensive skills are often overlooked, but they are a crucial aspect of his game.
Comeback from Injury
Wirtz has made a strong comeback from an ACL injury, which sidelined him for a period. After his return, he looked even better, scoring 18 goals and providing 20 assists in all competitions. His statistics are impressive, and he has become a key player for both Leverkusen and the German national team.
Number 10 Shirt
Wirtz has worn the number 10 shirt for Leverkusen, a number that holds special significance in football. The shirt has been worn by legendary players such as Pele, Diego Maradona, and Lothar Matthäus. For Wirtz, the number 10 shirt has a personal meaning, as he is the 10th sibling in his family. His former coach, Xabi Alonso, has praised Wirtz, saying that he is a special player who honors the number 10 shirt.
