Liverpool have officially secured the biggest signing in Premier League history — Florian Wirtz — in a €150 million deal from Bayer Leverkusen, surpassing the record set by Enzo Fernández’s move to Chelsea in 2022.
According to BILD and trusted journalist Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool reached a full agreement with Leverkusen last week, and Wirtz had already agreed personal terms two weeks prior. The German playmaker will join the Reds on a five-year contract, with a weekly salary of £355,000, making him the second-highest-paid player at the club — behind only Mohamed Salah, who earns £400,000 per week.
Wirtz is expected to be a guaranteed starter under new manager Arne Slot, and his arrival marks a new chapter in Liverpool’s attacking evolution. But with such status comes symbolism — and one of the first questions fans asked was: What shirt number will he wear?
The answer? Mohamed Salah has personally stepped forward to offer his iconic No.11 shirt to Wirtz.
In a heartfelt statement shared via the club’s official channels, Salah said:
🗣️ “I’ve worn the No.11 shirt for many great years at Liverpool, and it means a lot to me. But this is a new era, and Florian is the future. If giving him this number helps him feel at home and confident, then I’m more than happy to do it. What matters most is the success of this team.”
Salah’s classy gesture has been met with admiration from Liverpool fans and football observers alike, as it underlines his leadership and respect for the club’s long-term vision.
Wirtz, who contributed to 29 goals last season for Leverkusen (16 goals, 13 assists), is expected to be the creative engine of Slot’s new-look Liverpool. His versatility allows him to play as a central playmaker, winger, or even a false nine — giving Slot plenty of tactical flexibility.
He becomes Liverpool’s third summer signing, following Jeremie Frimpong (also from Leverkusen) and Hungarian goalkeeper Armin Pecsi. The club is also in advanced talks with Bournemouth for left-back Milos Kerkez, valued at around €45 million.
With Wirtz now officially a Red and Salah setting the tone with humility and class, Liverpool’s future under Arne Slot looks not only ambitious — but unified and hungry for more trophies.
