Florian Wirtz is unfazed about the pressure of his transfer fee as he continues to settle in at Liverpool ahead their Community Shield season opener against Crystal Palace.
The 22-year-old Germany international joined the Reds from Bayer Leverkusen in June for a reported club-record fee of £100 million before potential add-ons worth £16 million.
If all add-on conditions are met, the deal could make Wirtz the most expensive signing in British football history.
He has built up a stellar reputation in recent seasons, having been a crucial piece of the Leverkusen team that won the 2023-2024 Bundesliga undefeated.
The German featured in the second of two friendlies against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield on Monday (August 4) and has already made a strong impression with his intelligent movement, sharp passing, and attacking presence.
Wirtz showcased his quality against Athletic as Liverpool won 3-2, producing three shots – including a header that crashed into crossbar – and completing 17 passes in the final third in 74 minutes on the pitch.
He also found the net in last week’s friendly win over Yokohama F. Marinos, continuing a smooth preseason integration into Arne Slot’s system.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
What did Wirtz say?
Speaking on his price tag, Wirtz insisted that it doesn’t play a role in his thinking at all.
“I don't think about it. I just want to play football and how much money the clubs pay between each other, it doesn't matter,” he said following Liverpool’s win over Athletic.
The midfielder arrives with a proven pedigree, having scored 57 goals in 197 appearances for Leverkusen. Now, he’s targeting silverware in his first campaign at Anfield.
Florian Wirtz is loving life as a Liverpool player so far ⤵️
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 5, 2025
“Of course, the big challenge is to win the title again and it is the most difficult thing so (I will) try and just create chances and also work against the ball.
“I came because I thought I could fit in this team and I am enjoying to play with these players and getting every time a little bit better so I am happy with how it is going.”
If Liverpool’s preseason friendlies have been any indication of how Slot intends to set up for the upcoming season, Wirtz will have plenty of freedom to express himself in midfield, and the 22-year-old says he’s eager to repay that trust.
“I am a player who needs freedom on the pitch and the manager gives it to me because I have to respect the position and the players around me,” he added.
“I will try to find the right places to be and the right spaces to get the ball and to be dangerous and create chances.
“I have not played a match in the Premier League, but I am looking forward and that is why I came.”
Liverpool face Crystal Palace in the Community Shield on Sunday (August 10) before opening their Premier League campaign on August 16 against Bournemouth.
Liverpool news and related links
- Why are Liverpool playing Athletic Club twice? Anfield preseason friendlies double-header explained
- Alisson's extended Liverpool absence triggers concern over season start
- Newcastle United reject Liverpool’s staggering opening bid for star striker