🚨 BREAKING‼️: Ilkay Gundogan has confirmed Liverpool are about to sign someone who ‘could be the best in the world’! 🗣️
Liverpool Set to Land Wirtz – and Possibly Make a Man City Star a Bit Envious
Liverpool could soon pull off a major coup that might raise a few eyebrows—particularly over at Manchester City. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Reds have reached a verbal agreement “in principle” with Bayer Leverkusen for the signing of Florian Wirtz.
The Italian transfer expert revealed that the total deal, including add-ons, could climb to €150m (£127m). Journalist Graeme Bailey added that the transfer could even be made official by the end of the week.
Wirtz’s potential arrival at Anfield comes with high praise from someone who knows him well—his Germany teammate and Manchester City midfielder, Ilkay Gundogan.
Gundogan’s High Praise for Wirtz
Speaking earlier this year on the TRS Podcast (via The Mirror), Gundogan heaped praise on Wirtz and Jamal Musiala:
“They’re close to being world-class. Maybe they’re not quite there yet, but they have what it takes to become the best in the world soon.
“They’ve got the talent and the quality. I’ve played alongside them for the past two years with Germany, and they show their class at club and international level. Not only that, they’re fantastic people and professionals. It’s only a matter of time.”
A Top-Class Signing in the Making
Having shared the pitch with Wirtz 16 times for the national team, Gundogan’s words carry weight. Liverpool’s owners, FSG, appear ready to break the club’s transfer record for a reason—Wirtz is performing at an elite level.
Last season, according to FBref, Wirtz ranked among the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues for successful dribbles (2.89 per game), top 7% for progressive passes (6.63) and shot-creating actions (5.53), and top 9% for assists (0.38). He also made the top 20% for both shots (2.87) and non-penalty goals (0.38) per 90 minutes.
Those stats are supported by outstanding end-product: 16 goals and 15 assists in 45 matches in the 2024/25 season, with a career total of 57 goals and 65 assists in 197 appearances for Leverkusen.
With a glowing endorsement from Gundogan—one of Europe’s most decorated players—Liverpool fans have every reason to be excited. If the deal goes through, the Reds could be bringing in a true difference-maker who could shine at the very highest level.