The Florian Wirtz transfer saga has taken an intriguing turn, with Bayer Leverkusen reportedly open to a player-plus-cash deal – but Liverpool now faces a gut-wrenching decision. Two rising Anfield stars have emerged as potential makeweights in any deal: Harvey Elliott and, more worryingly for fans, Jarrell Quansah.
by NIJ MARTIN
🚨⚫️🔴 Bayer 04 Leverkusen have the idea to include Harvey Elliott or Jarell Quansah in the deal for Florian #Wirtz.
There’s no final decision on this yet, but talks are ongoing. #LFC @SkySportDE 🏴 pic.twitter.com/j9NInh9LDA
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) June 1, 2025
The confetti has barely settled on Liverpool’s incredible Premier League title win in the 2024/2025 season, and the Anfield hierarchy is already signalling massive intent for the upcoming campaign. With Arne Slot at the helm, the message is clear: this is about building a dynasty, not just a one-season wonder. The confirmed signing of Jeremie Frimpong was a fantastic start, and links to Milos Kerkez show a commitment to strengthening key areas.
But the name on every Reds fan’s lips right now is Florian Wirtz. And it’s here, with the Bayer Leverkusen maestro, that Liverpool faces its first major summer transfer test.
According to German outlet Kicker, Liverpool has made Wirtz a key target, seeing him as the marquee signing to elevate Slot’s champions to an even more formidable force for the 2025/2026 campaign. However, the path to securing his signature is proving to be a costly one.
Two Bids Rejected, Leverkusen Standing Firm
The Reds have reportedly already seen two significant offers knocked back. The first, an £84 million bid supplemented by £12.6 million in bonuses (totaling £96.6m), was rejected. Undeterred, Liverpool returned with an improved package totaling around £109.6 million. Leverkusen swatted that away too.
Their stance? They want a cool £126 million before they’ll even consider letting their prized playmaker depart. Their club chief, Fernando Carro, didn’t mince words previously, stating they “would never let Wirtz leave” for less than their sky-high valuation. That leaves a gap of roughly £16-£17 million from Liverpool’s last known offer – a significant sum, even in today’s market.
The Painful Trade-Off
Harvey Elliott’s situation is complex. The 22-year-old midfielder, once hailed as a future cornerstone of Liverpool’s attack, has found minutes harder to come by under Arne Slot. With Wirtz occupying a similar creative role, Elliott’s path to regular football could narrow further. A move to Leverkusen might offer him the consistent playing time he craves – but is Liverpool ready to let go of a player with such obvious potential?
Then there’s Quansah. The homegrown centre-back has been a revelation this season, stepping up when injuries plagued Liverpool’s defence. The idea of including him in any deal feels like a self-inflicted wound. Losing a promising, young, and locally developed defender to facilitate another signing – no matter how talented Wirtz is – would be a bitter pill to swallow.
Why Liverpool Should Push Hard
- Wirtz is a generational talent – a player who could elevate Liverpool’s attack for years.
- Signing him would be a statement, proving the Reds mean business after their title win.
- If Elliott is open to a move, a structured deal could reduce the financial burden.
Why Liverpool Should Walk Away
- £126 million is a staggering fee – one that could limit future squad reinforcements.
- Leverkusen’s stance seems rigid, and drawn-out negotiations rarely benefit the buying club.
- Quansah’s potential is too valuable to gamble – selling him could haunt Liverpool in the long run.
The Verdict: Know When to Hold Firm
Liverpool must approach this deal with clarity. A final, improved cash offer should be made, but if Leverkusen won’t budge, the club must be prepared to walk away.
- Cash should be the priority – a structured payment closer to Leverkusen’s valuation, without overcommitting.
- Elliott’s future must be respected – if he’s open to a move, talks can proceed, but not at the cost of undervaluing him.
- Quansah should be untouchable – unless Leverkusen offers an unrealistic discount, he must stay.
Wirtz is a dream signing, but not at the expense of Liverpool’s long-term vision. The Kop demands ambition, but also smart, sustainable decisions. If Leverkusen won’t negotiate reasonably, then it’s time to move on – no player is worth jeopardising the club’s future for.