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Bayer Leverkusen’s sporting director has confirmed that Liverpool hold “concrete interest” in star midfielder Florian Wirtz, with the Premier League champions reportedly eyeing a blockbuster move.
Speaking at a press conference to unveil former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag as Leverkusen’s new head coach following Xabi Alonso’s departure to Real Madrid, Simon Rolfes acknowledged growing speculation over Wirtz’s future.
“There’s definitely serious interest from Liverpool—that much is clear,” said Rolfes. “But he’s still our player, and at this stage, there’s nothing more to add.”
Wirtz, 22, is widely regarded as one of Europe’s brightest young talents. He recently visited Liverpool and is said to favour a switch to Anfield over rival suitors Bayern Munich, according to German media reports.
Leverkusen’s CEO Fernando Carro has previously insisted that the club would not consider selling Wirtz for less than €150 million (£125 million), a figure that would break Liverpool’s transfer record and rank Wirtz among the most expensive players in football history.
Ten Hag, who took questions alongside Rolfes, spoke highly of the midfielder but remained tight-lipped on whether he expected Wirtz to be part of his squad next season.
“He’s a fantastic talent,” said Ten Hag. “I’ve enjoyed watching his progress over the last few years, and I’m delighted with how he’s developed. But in football, you can’t predict anything until 1st September.”
Wirtz, who joined Leverkusen from Cologne in 2020, was instrumental in the club’s historic 2023–24 Bundesliga title win—their first ever—earning him the Bundesliga Player of the Season award.
