Liverpool have reportedly tabled a fresh bid to Bayer Leverkusen for Florian Wirtz

Liverpool have reportedly tabled a fresh bid to Bayer Leverkusen for Florian Wirtz

Liverpool have made a new offer worth a total of £113m for Bayer Leverkusen attacker Florian Wirtz.

Liverpool are once again being linked with South Korean international Kim Min-jae, according to an exclusive report by CaughtOffside. The Bayern Munich defender is expected to be available this summer, with the Bundesliga giants now believed to be open to his departure. Once valued at €50 million, Kim’s price tag has reportedly dropped to a more accessible €35 million, opening the door for several Premier League clubs to express their interest.

The Reds were previously interested in Kim during his standout season at Napoli, but Bayern acted swiftly and secured his services last summer. Fast forward 12 months, and his time in Germany has not lived up to the high expectations, sparking talk of a new challenge. Sources have told CaughtOffside that Kim is “keen to move on,” and that “a move to the Premier League would be the 28-year-old’s preference.”

Photo: IMAGO Competition for Signature

Liverpool are not alone in monitoring Kim’s situation. Newcastle United are believed to have “held some initial talks,” while Chelsea are also keeping tabs on the 6ft 3in centre-back. Interest from the continent remains, too, with both Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan tracking developments closely.

Despite a relatively underwhelming campaign with Bayern, Kim remains a highly respected defender. His form at Napoli during the 2022–23 season was particularly impressive, helping them to a historic Serie A title with a commanding presence and sharp anticipation. Yet at Bayern, the transition hasn’t fully clicked. As the original article notes, “it remains to be seen if he’s really shown enough during his time in Germany to suggest that he could be a success in the Premier League.”

Liverpool’s Defensive Picture

Arne Slot, fresh from guiding Liverpool to a Premier League title in his debut season, will be keen to build on that momentum. However, the defensive department is one area ripe for reinforcement.

Virgil van Dijk, although still a leader on and off the pitch, is 33 and can no longer be expected to play 90 minutes every week. The situation surrounding Ibrahima Konaté, who is entering the final year of his contract, adds further complexity. There are also lingering questions over Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah, both of whom have been reliable but not without inconsistency.

Photo: IMAGO

Slot may view Kim as an experienced and cost-effective solution, particularly at a time when Liverpool are looking to be both strategic and ambitious in the market.

Potential and Risk

Kim’s physicality and tactical intelligence could suit English football, and he has experience at the highest levels of club competition. But there’s no hiding from the fact that he hasn’t fully settled in Munich. For Liverpool, this would be a calculated gamble: one based on past potential rather than recent form.

Still, €35 million for a defender with Kim’s pedigree may be too good to pass up, especially when factoring in the Premier League’s increasing physical demands and fixture congestion.

“Bayern’s asking price for Kim is also understood to have dropped from around €50m to more like €35m,” CaughtOffside revealed, a detail that could significantly influence Liverpool’s decision-making process.

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Liverpool fans will be intrigued by this potential signing, especially given Kim Min-jae’s past links to the club. At €35 million, he fits the mould of a savvy FSG-style buy — a player whose value may have dipped but still offers high upside. Many will remember the club’s previous interest when he was at Napoli, and the hope would be that under Slot’s system, Kim could rediscover his best form.

However, supporters may also question whether this is the kind of marquee defensive reinforcement needed to match the club’s title-winning ambitions. Is Kim the natural successor to Van Dijk, or just a short-term fix? His struggles at Bayern might raise eyebrows, but fans should also consider the context — tactical instability, inconsistent selection, and an underwhelming Bayern campaign all played a role.

What’s promising is that Liverpool are being proactive. With Champions League football returning to Anfield and the need for depth and experience at the back more important than ever, fans will be watching closely to see whether this interest evolves into something more concrete.

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Liverpool’s pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen’s rising star Florian Wirtz has taken a significant leap forward, with fresh negotiations indicating the deal is now entering its final stages. According to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany, recent discussions between the clubs have seen notable progress, with the package now approaching a remarkable €150 million, inclusive of bonus payments.

BREAKING | Understand FC Liverpool and Bayer 04 Leverkusen have significantly moved closer in a deal for Florian #Wirtz after fresh talks and a revised offer!

The total package is now heading towards €150 million, including potential bonus payments. There’s still no full… pic.twitter.com/Mgq3vAx8ME

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) June 6, 2025

Breakthrough in Negotiations

Plettenberg reported via a recent tweet: “Understand FC Liverpool and Bayer 04 Leverkusen have significantly moved closer in a deal for Florian #Wirtz after fresh talks and a revised offer!” The figure, if agreed, would be Liverpool’s most substantial financial commitments to date, underscoring the club’s determination to compete at the very top of European football.

Financial Details

The proposed transfer fee includes structured bonuses, emphasising performance and achievement-based incentives. This strategic financial planning allows Liverpool to manage their substantial investment responsibly, reflecting modern football’s growing emphasis on long-term value and return on investment.

Plettenberg added clarity regarding the financial specifics, stating: “The total package is now heading towards €150 million, including potential bonus payments.” Such a substantial figure would position Wirtz among the elite signings in Premier League history.

Anticipated Impact at Anfield

At just 22, Florian Wirtz has already established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting talents, renowned for his vision, creativity, and remarkable composure in the final third. Securing his signature would be a statement of intent from Liverpool, significantly enhancing manager Arne Slot’s tactical options and providing the team with an attacking spark capable of influencing crucial fixtures.

Wirtz’s arrival would likely energise an already dynamic frontline, complementing stars like Mo Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai, and providing invaluable depth for Liverpool’s European and domestic campaigns.

Final Steps in the Deal

Though a full agreement remains elusive, Plettenberg emphasised the closeness of completion, asserting confidently: “It’s now just a matter of time.” This confidence signals the advanced stage of negotiations and suggests Liverpool fans may soon welcome their new marquee signing.

As the final details are ironed out, Liverpool supporters will eagerly anticipate official confirmation, hopeful that Wirtz will soon grace Anfield, bolstering the squad’s pursuit of silverware.

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Liverpool fans have plenty of reason to be excited about Florian Wirtz potentially joining the club. Given his talent and versatility, his arrival could significantly shift the balance of power in Liverpool’s favour in both the Premier League and Champions League. For many supporters, this signing would be a long-awaited statement, reinforcing Liverpool’s position as genuine contenders capable of challenging the dominance of clubs such as Manchester City and Real Madrid.

While the price tag is substantial, investing in Wirtz reflects ambition and foresight. Under Arne Slot’s guidance, Liverpool has shown tactical flexibility and creativity, and Wirtz would thrive in such an environment. Fans would be eager to see how Slot integrates him into the system, enhancing the attacking fluidity that is crucial for competing on multiple fronts.

Yet, there will also be cautious optimism. Such significant investments carry risks, particularly regarding expectations. Liverpool fans understand the pressure on young players adapting to English football, but Wirtz appears ready for the challenge. If this deal comes through, it would undoubtedly boost confidence, anticipation, and expectation among the Anfield faithful.

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As Liverpool edge closer to securing a deal for Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, one man who finds himself in the spotlight is Andy Robertson. The veteran left-back, speaking exclusively to BBC Sport, delivered a candid and composed reflection on the situation, brushing off any anxiety with experience and trademark Scottish grit. At 31 and with just a year left on his Liverpool deal, Robertson’s words were revealing, not only of his mindset but of the culture Arne Slot is preserving at Anfield.

Robertson Welcomes Competition

The notion that Robertson might be feeling unsettled by a potential new arrival was quickly put to bed. “We’re not daft, it looks as if a deal could potentially be done,” he said, but it’s what followed that showed a deeper layer of determination. “Until that is done, I’ve not even given that a second thought. I back myself, I’ve got confidence in my own ability and that drives me forward.”

Photo: IMAGO

For a player who’s been part of Liverpool’s spine through the most transformative period of the 21st century, Robertson’s focus remains internal. It’s less about holding on to the shirt and more about proving he still deserves it. “I still believe I have a hell of a lot to give for however many years I can keep going. My body feels good at the minute,” he added.

In elite football, confidence isn’t arrogance — it’s necessity. His tone, calm yet firm, echoes the approach that’s made him a fan favourite since arriving from Hull City. Kerkez may be younger and faster, but Robertson’s experience is not easily replaced.

Kerkez as a Strategic Signing

From a squad-building perspective, Milos Kerkez ticks multiple boxes. Just 22 and already proving himself in the Premier League with Bournemouth, his high energy and attacking thrust are reminiscent of Robertson at his peak. Last season, the Hungary international racked up 2 goals and 6 assists in 38 Premier League appearances — numbers that hint at a player ready to take a step up.

With Liverpool’s title win under Slot showcasing a new tactical flexibility, the club’s recruitment clearly leans towards dynamic full-backs who can offer width, recovery pace and positional adaptability. Kerkez fits that brief.

Photo: IMAGO

Danny Murphy’s view that Kerkez would be an “ideal transfer” for Liverpool is hard to argue with. He wouldn’t arrive to immediately displace Robertson, but rather to compete, rotate and push standards higher.

Squad Depth and the Bigger Picture

What Liverpool appear to be building is more than a title-defending squad — they’re constructing a long-term dynasty. The signing of Jeremie Frimpong to cover or compete with Alexander-Arnold and the near-completion of a deal for Florian Wirtz are emblematic of a club not just planning for next season, but the next five.

Robertson’s reaction, in this context, matters. He’s not resisting change but embracing the demands that come with elite sport. “I’ve had eight fantastic years at Liverpool in terms of winning trophies, being a mainstay in the team,” he said, before reminding everyone, “I’ve not missed a training session and that’s not a sign of someone who is slowing down.”

Such remarks suggest that whatever role Robertson plays in 2025–26 — starter, mentor, competitor — it will be shaped by his own resolve, not sentiment.

No Signs of Slowing Down

If Robertson were clinging to past glory, his words might sound defensive. But they don’t. Instead, they reflect someone attuned to reality yet unwilling to be defined by it. “I can’t tell you how I’ll feel at 33 or 34, but I can tell you, at 31, I feel excellent.”

With pre-season on the horizon and Arne Slot likely to demand even more physically from his full-backs, Robertson’s durability will be tested. But based on his own testimony, he’s ready for it.

As the Reds continue reshaping under Slot’s title-winning watch, the past and future are finding a way to coexist. And in players like Robertson, Liverpool have leaders who don’t just adapt to change — they drive it.

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You can’t help but love Robbo. No moaning, no drama, just straight-up honesty and a burning desire to keep proving himself. This is why Liverpool fans sing his name every week. The lad’s a proper Red.

If Milos Kerkez does come in — and let’s be real, it looks like he will — then brilliant. That’s how you stay champions. You don’t rest, you evolve. Kerkez has pace, aggression, and attacking numbers that could push us up another gear, especially in those tight games where width and overlaps matter most.

But Robertson? He’s not just going to roll over. You can bet your season ticket he’ll come back in pre-season like a man possessed. Slot knows what he’s doing and if he can balance youth and experience, this could be the best full-back pairing we’ve had in years.

We’ve said it before — iron sharpens iron. And with Robbo still fighting and Kerkez hungry to prove himself, it’s win-win for the fans. Another smart move in what’s shaping up to be a blinding summer.

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