Bayer Leverkusen have rejected Liverpool’s £113million offer for Florian Wirtz, according to the Times’ Paul Joyce.
However, talks remain ongoing, with expectations high that Wirtz will eventually complete a record-breaking move to Anfield.
It is believed that Leverkusen are determined to maximise the financial package for Wirtz and anticipate receiving an improved bid from Liverpool in the near future.
Wirtz has reportedly been convinced by Slot’s tactical plans, particularly his proposed role as a central attacking midfielder (No.10) in Liverpool’s new system.
Should Liverpool meet Leverkusen’s valuation, Wirtz would become the most expensive signing in British football history, surpassing the £115million Chelsea paid Brighton for Moisés Caicedo.
A potential complication in the deal has arisen from FC Koln, Wirtz’s former club.
The 22-year-old spent nearly a decade in Köln’s academy before joining Leverkusen as a 17-year-old.
Under FIFA regulations, clubs involved in a player’s development between the ages of 12 and 23 are entitled to five percent of any future transfer fee as training compensation.
Although Florian Wirtz joined Koln at age seven, the club believes it is still eligible for a significant cut due to his time there.
Koln president Werner Wolf confirmed the club’s intent to pursue their share.
“Of course, we are looking into it. We know what we are entitled to and will fight for it,” Wolf told BILD.
“We’re looking at this with both eyes. We’ll benefit from it. The higher the sum Liverpool is willing to pay, the better for us.”
Wirtz would be Liverpool’s second signing of the summer following the arrival of Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen last week.
The Dutch right-back signed a five-year deal after Liverpool activated his £29.5million release clause and completed a medical last month.
Frimpong is expected to challenge Conor Bradley for a place in the starting XI.
His attacking output is impressive, scoring 28 goals and providing 35 assists over the past three seasons.
Liverpool are also reportedly in talks with Bournemouth over a potential £40million deal for highly rated left-back Milos Kerkez, as Arne Slot continues reshaping the squad ahead of the new campaign.
Read more: Alisson Becker expects Liverpool to trigger contract extension
Manchester City agree £36.3m deal for Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri
Liverpool complete signing of Armin Pecsi from Puskas Akademia
