Liverpool encounter florian wirtz hurdle with record offer and swap deal verdict

LIVERPOOL ARE EXPECTED TO MAKE A THIRD AND FINAL OFFER FOR BAYER LEVERKUSEN MIDFIELDER FLORIAN WIRTZ IN THE COMING DAYS, WITH THE GERMAN CLUB STILL EXPECTING HIM TO JOIN 10:46, 03 Jun 2025

Liverpool have swiftly sprung into action in the transfer market following their Premier League title win in Arne Slot's debut season. Despite limited transfer activity last summer,

Slot led his team to victory by capturing a record-equalling 20th top flight title for England's most successful club. But this year sees a shift in strategy, as the Reds have already

secured Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, following Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure. The full-back moved to Real Madrid a month before his contract ended, netting the

Merseyside club £10million. Now, Liverpool are on the hunt for additional talent. Talks are ongoing with Leverkusen to secure the golden boy of German football, attacking midfielder Florian

Wirtz, in a deal that could break British records. Slot is also keen to strengthen his defensive options, with a bid for Milos Kerkez expected. The Bournemouth defender is anticipated to

provide competition for Andy Robertson. Here's the latest transfer news and rumours circulating Anfield. WIRTZ HURDLE Despite rejecting two offers, Bayer Leverkusen still anticipate

Florian Wirtz joining Liverpool, reports the Mirror. The Reds' second bid fell short of Leverkusen's £126m valuation, but they remain front-runners in the race to sign the

superstar. Article continues below According to Bild, Leverkusen executives don't see the move as being at risk, with the transfer fee being the only remaining hurdle. The same source

reports that Liverpool and Wirtz have already agreed terms. A swap deal with a bit of cash on top might just be the ticket, while there's talk that Liverpool could make an offer for

Leverkusen that'll only meet their price tag if certain bonuses come good. Harvey Elliott and Jarell Quansah are the names being banded about as potential makeweights if the German

outfit fancies a player thrown into the bargain, but the Liverpool Echo reports that neither have been included in any proposal at this stage. DECO'S HAD HIS SAY ON BARCA'S

TRANSFER TACTICS Barcelona chief Deco has poured cold water on any quickfire move for Reds winger Luis Diaz or Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford. Talking to BBC Sport, the

ex-Portugal ace laid out that the Catalan giants have got other fish to fry. "We have been focusing on renewing contracts, after that, we'll discuss players to come," he said.

"Of course, these two players, like you mentioned, they are good but have contracts in their clubs, so we won't speak because it's not fair. "But when you decide to go

to the market, for sure, we find some names. In my opinion, we don't need to bring many players. When I speak with the agents of the players, everyone wants to come or stay. So this is

important. "The image of the club is still good. We are proud because Barcelona is still such a big club, and the way we are playing football makes players want to come." WIRTZ

GETS THE THUMBS UP Article continues below Liverpool's Fenway Sports Group (FSG) ownership have given the green light for a potential British record bid to sign Wirtz. The Reds are now

rumoured to be considering a £118m bid for the German star, a sum exceeding what Chelsea shelled out for former Liverpool target Moises Caicedo. It is believed that the Anfield team are

gearing up to submit their third offer in the upcoming days after failing twice to meet Bayer Leverkusen's expectations.