Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz, who’s currently playing for Germany at European Championships, has been linked with a transfer to Liverpool after winning the Bundesliga title.
On Tuesday, the Premier League released the full fixture list for the 2024-25 season, giving Slot a trip to newly-promoted Ipswich Town in his first game in charge. The Dutchman needs to focus on pre-season first, though, and within that recruitment.
The summer transfer window has officially been open for five days and although Liverpool aren’t on the verge of any blockbuster moves, the Reds are poised to welcome their first signing since Jurgen Klopp left the club. Klopp could be followed by a number of players, too, with a price tag for one star already set.
Meanwhile Florian Wirtz’s father has confirmed that the Germany international won’t be leaving Bayer Leverkusen this summer, despite links of a move to Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Wirtz, 21, was among the various standout performers as Leverkusen won the Bundesliga title last season, securing a spot in the Champions League.
The prolific playmaker scored in Germany’s opening game of Euro 2024 last Friday, boosting his stock, but he won’t be changing clubs this summer.
“Florian has a contract in Leverkusen,” Hans Wirtz told Bild.
“And he’s looking forward to next year at Bayer when he can play in the Champions League with Leverkusen for the first time.
“Those are the facts. Now the focus is on the Euros. After that there’s a lot to do with the club next season, so there’s no need for speculation. There’s really nothing to say beyond that.”
Liverpool have also slapped a £25million price tag on second-choice goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. The 25-year-old Irishman is keen to start playing first-team football and was linked with a departure from Anfield last summer.
Celtic are now interested in Kelleher, the Athletic report, but could be too expensive for the Scottish champions, who are searching to replace Joe Hart.
It is understood that Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow, who’s also a target for Arsenal, could reunite with Arne Slot and challenge Alisson Becker for the No.1 shirt instead of Kelleher.
Liverpool are closing in on completing their first signing of the Arne Slot era: 16-year-old Alvin Ayman from Wolves. Ayman is predominantly as a defender and broke into Wolves’ under-18 side last season before making two appearances at under-21 level in Premier League 2.
The ECHO report that Liverpool are close to sealing the deal to bolster their academy setup and view Ayman as one of the most promising talents in the country. Notably, the highly-rated prospect featured in the Premier League North fixture which saw Wolves beat Liverpool 4-2 back in April.
