Wirtz has emerged as one of the most talked about soccer talents out there.<\/p>\n
NurPhoto via Getty Images<\/p>\n
It\u2019s getting closer. Liverpool is working to complete the transfer of Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz in a deal that would shatter its transfer record. All seems complete, barring a final few details around payments. Regardless, should it happen, the total sum will hit nine figures, almost certainly entering the top ten most expensive soccer signings ever. Perhaps the top five.<\/p>\n
So, why is Liverpool going all out for the Germany international?<\/p>\n
He\u2019s Worth It<\/p>\n
Wirtz isn\u2019t a youngster who may become a household name one day, nor an established star fast approaching 30 years old. He\u2019s both young, 22, already superb, and will get even better. In today\u2019s climate, teams should expect to pay up for someone like that.<\/p>\n
His statistics back up his easy-on-the-eye style\u2014quick feet, drop of the shoulder, you name it. A regular selection for his country, he\u2019s got at least ten goals and assists for Leverkusen these last two campaigns\u2014Mohamed Salah was the other in Europe\u2019s top leagues<\/a>. The number 10 is almost the complete package.<\/p>\n Liverpool Can<\/p>\n Performing well on the field, Liverpool\u2019s commercial revenue appears to be rising, despite overheads\u2014like player wages and the expanded Anfield stadium\u2019s costs\u2014holding it back a little and leading to a loss in 2023\/24<\/a>. However, a key difference now is having a more cemented place in the lucrative Champions League, with overall finances looking positive.<\/p>\n The Reds also held back in the transfer market last year, presumably sensing a Wirtz-like signing, earmarked before, could be budgeted for and achieved later. He\u2019s a long-term buy, too, an asset whose value will likely plateau or increase.<\/p>\n Recently turned 22, Wirtz is an established senior player for club and country. <\/p>\n AFP via Getty Images One of the best moments to invest is when you\u2019re on top. Indeed, the Premier League champion may not pull such an upmarket talent when things aren\u2019t going as smoothly, so, from a Liverpool stance, now\u2019s the time to assert authority. And there\u2019s space for growth.<\/p>\n On the road to the title (comfortably sealed ahead of second-placed Arsenal despite both slowing down as the result crystallized), it only accrued two more points than its third-place spot from the previous campaign while falling short in the cups. Ex-Liverpool CEO Peter Moore recently spoke about the virtuous cycle\u2014win, improve, repeat. That\u2019s a good path.<\/p>\n The Adidas Synergy<\/p>\n For Liverpool, it\u2019s convenient that Wirtz represents Adidas. From this summer onward, the same German sports manufacturer will return to the kit after 13 years away\u2014in a partnership reportedly earning Liverpool at least \u20ac71 million ($80 million) annually.<\/p>\n
\nStrengthening From Strength<\/p>\n