Liverpool has made a significant statement in the summer transfer window, reaching a record-breaking €150 million deal to sign Germany international Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. This move will go down in history as the most expensive transfer ever in both the Premier League and Bundesliga.
Liverpool Finally Lands Their Midfield Target
After weeks of negotiations with Leverkusen, Liverpool has agreed to pay the full asking price for the 21-year-old star, whose transfer fee surpasses the club’s previous record of €85 million for Darwin Núñez. According to Fabrizio Romano, Leverkusen held firm on their €150 million valuation, forcing the Reds to up their initial €100 million offer significantly to seal the deal.
Wirtz, who is expected to arrive in Liverpool within days for his medical, will not only become Liverpool’s most expensive signing ever, but also break the previous Anglo-German transfer record jointly held by Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembélé (both at €135 million).
During his time at Leverkusen, Wirtz made 197 appearances, scoring 57 goals and providing 65 assists. He played a key role in helping the club win the Bundesliga, German Cup, and Super Cup titles.
Manchester City Responds with Promising Signings
Rivals Manchester City have wasted no time in responding to Liverpool’s headline-making move. The Premier League champions have secured the signing of Rayan Cherki, a 21-year-old creative talent from Lyon. The French attacker joins City on a contract until 2030, with a reported transfer package of €36 million plus €6 million in potential add-ons.
Cherki had a standout 2024/25 season with Lyon, contributing 12 goals and 20 assists in 44 appearances. “Helping City continue their winning ways is a responsibility I fully embrace,” he said after the announcement.
City have also appointed Pepijn Lijnders, former Liverpool assistant under Jürgen Klopp, to join Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff for the new season. Additionally, they’ve signed Marcus Bettinelli, Chelsea’s third-choice goalkeeper, to add depth to the squad.
Bellingham’s Younger Brother Joins Dortmund
Elsewhere in Germany, Jobe Bellingham, younger brother of Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, has joined Borussia Dortmund in a move worth €33 million plus €5 million in bonuses. The 19-year-old joins from Sunderland and has signed a contract through 2030. He will wear the number 77 shirt and is set to feature in Dortmund’s FIFA Club World Cup squad this summer.
“Following in my brother’s footsteps at this great club is an incredible honour,” said Jobe, with Jude offering heartfelt congratulations on social media: “This is your moment. Enjoy every second.”
Spurs Appoint Thomas Frank as New Manager
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur have appointed Thomas Frank as their new head coach following the departure of Ange Postecoglou, who led the club to a Europa League title. Frank, known for his impressive spell with Brentford, where he guided them to Premier League promotion and consistent mid-table finishes, is expected to lead a fresh rebuild at Spurs.
The Danish tactician brings a wealth of Premier League experience and is seen as a stabilising figure as the North London club enters a new era.
