Liverpool make Wirtz most expensive British signing at £116m

Liverpool Football Club has secured the blockbuster signing of German playmaker Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in a record-breaking £116 million deal. The 22-year-old has committed to a five-year contract at Anfield.

The transfer structure includes a £100 million base fee with £16 million in performance-related add-ons. If all bonuses are achieved, this deal would surpass Chelsea's £115 million acquisition of Moises Caicedo as the most expensive transfer in British football history.

Wirtz arrives after establishing himself as one of the Bundesliga's brightest talents. Last season, the Germany international contributed 10 goals and 12 assists in just 25 starts, helping Leverkusen secure second place behind Bayern Munich.

Liverpool's sporting director had monitored Wirtz's progress for several seasons, with the attacking midfielder emerging as one of Europe's most coveted young players. The Reds faced competition from Manchester City and Bayern Munich, but ultimately convinced Wirtz that Anfield was his preferred destination.

This signing continues Liverpool's strategic recruitment from Leverkusen, following the £29.5 million capture of Dutch defender Jeremie Frimpong earlier in the transfer window. Wirtz's arrival signals Liverpool's ambition to rebuild their attacking options with world-class talent.