![\"Florian](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/0_GettyImages-2221185947.jpg\")
Florian Wirtz is unveiled as a Liverpool player after his signing at AXA Training Centre(Image: 2025 Liverpool FC)<\/p>\nBayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has opened up on the transfer negotiations that led to Florian Wirtz’s club-record move to LiverpoolFlorian Wirtz is unveiled as a Liverpool player after his signing at AXA Training Centre(Image: 2025 Liverpool FC)<\/p>\n
Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has lifted the lid on the club\u2019s transfer negotiations with Liverpool after the Premier League<\/a> champions signed Florian Wirtz in a club-record deal. The Germany international completed his switch to Anfield<\/a> last month in a move worth up to a British record \u00a3116m.<\/p>\n Bayern Munich had previously been the favourites to sign the 22-year-old while Manchester City were also long-term suitors. But Liverpool<\/a> stole a march on both clubs to secure the playmaker\u2019s signature.<\/p>\n After Wirtz <\/a>made his decision clear, a deal was struck with Leverkusen after three weeks of transfer negotiations. And Rolfes has praised the Reds for their conduct during talks as he revealed the midfielder signalled his desire to move to Merseyside back in May.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Premier League chairman admits he regrets selling star player to Liverpool<\/a>READ MORE: Anthony Gordon drops new hint about future as Liverpool reject fresh Luis Diaz approach<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cFlorian’s requirement was that everyone be comfortable with the move,\u201d Rolfes told Bild<\/a>. \u201cHe told us, literally, that he hoped Bayer 04 would also be happy with the result.<\/p>\n \u201cThere wasn’t a single moment (where we realised he wanted to leave), but rather a development. Our goal was to extend Florian’s contract and keep him for at least another year.<\/p>\n \u201cGradually, we sensed that he was more interested in making a move. Starting in February and March, the discussions focused more on other clubs and other leagues. We always knew what he thought.<\/p>\n \u201cWe knew from the parents who they were talking to. The clubs from abroad (including Liverpool and Manchester City) also informed us, and they handled the matter in a highly professional and serious manner.<\/p>\n \u201cIn May he told us that he had decided to join Liverpool FC<\/a>. I believe he’s a very good fit for Liverpool.<\/p>\n \u201cThe club has treated him very seriously. Florian was made to understand that they know exactly why they want him. This approach was a very important aspect of the overall package for him.<\/p>\n \u201cAll the clubs that had contacted us in advance were clear about the region in which the transfer would take place. We only negotiated with Liverpool after Florian told us that was his preferred club.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was clear to me from the beginning of the negotiations that it would work out. Of course, everyone is fighting for their position, but it was always respectful.<\/p>\n \u201cThe people at both clubs know each other so well that a face-to-face meeting was not necessary. We handled the transaction over the phone, via email, and via video conference.\u201d<\/p>\n Rolfes continued: \u201cWe as a club can be just as proud of it as Florian. We signed him at the beginning of 2020 at the age of 16 and built a very trusting relationship with him and his parents.<\/p>\n \u201cHe has matured into a global star with us. With his style of training, playing style, and his ambition, he has managed to take the club to a new level in the last five and a half years, together with the other players. He himself has improved every year.<\/p>\n \u201cHe’s 22 now, and he’s matured into a person who made this decision on his own. It’s important that he stands behind his decision 100 percent.\u201d<\/p>\n LFC Istanbul 20th Anniversary special edition, on sale now<\/p>\n It was and it will be the best final ever,\u201d says Rafa Benitez about Liverpool\u2019s fifth European Cup win in 2005. It\u2019s now 20 years since the Reds defied the odds to overcome a 3-0 half-time deficit to AC Milan in Istanbul to triumph on penalties.<\/p>\n In this special Liverpool Echo 48-page celebration<\/a> of the Miracle of Istanbul we bring you the inside story of how it was achieved, as told by the people who were there.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/1751460371_769_0_LIVERPOOL-ISTANBUL.jpg\")
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