Liverpool have reached an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen for the signature of Florian Wirtz in a deal that will shatter the British transfer record.
The total package is worth £116 million, comprising a guaranteed £100 million fee plus £16 million in performance-related add-ons.
This surpasses the previous British record of £115 million set when Moises Caicedo moved from Brighton to Chelsea two years ago.
The 22-year-old German international has been one of Europe's most sought-after midfielders following his stellar performances for Leverkusen last season.
Florian Wirtz looks set to become the most expensive player in British football
Reuters
The agreement represents a significant statement of intent from Liverpool under Arne Slot's management.
According to reports, the vast majority of the £16 million in add-ons is linked to Liverpool winning major trophies with Wirtz in the team.
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Personal terms are not expected to present any obstacles, with the player having already indicated his preference for Anfield.
The German midfielder is now free to speak with Liverpool officials about personal terms. A medical has been scheduled for next week when the player returns from his holiday.
The fee structure represents a compromise between Liverpool's valuation and Leverkusen's initial asking price, which German sources had suggested was as high as €150 million (£127.6m).
Wirtz had attracted interest from several European giants but chose Liverpool over Bayern Munich and Manchester City.
The midfielder only wanted Liverpool during this window according to Sky Sports, having been convinced by Slot's vision for the team's future success.
The 22-year-old spent his entire senior career at Leverkusen, where he played a pivotal role in their Bundesliga campaign last season.
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Arne Slot had been desperate to sign Florian Wirtz this summer
ReutersHe scored 10 goals and provided 12 assists in 25 starts as Leverkusen finished runners-up to Bayern Munich, a year after winning a league and cup double.
Wirtz could be reunited with former Leverkusen teammate Jeremie Frimpong, who recently joined Liverpool in a £29.5 million deal.
European football expert Andy Brassell told Sky Sports News: "He is one of the best midfield players in Europe. You look at the age, you will get 10 years of service out of him, notwithstanding any injuries."
Wirtz's versatility offers Slot numerous tactical options, having operated as a false nine, number 10 and in wide positions.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Florian Wirtz's move will see him become the most expensive transfer in Premier League historyReutersHis statistics from last season underscore his elite status - he completed the most dribbles in the Bundesliga with a successful dribbles per 90 minutes rate of 3.13, significantly higher than any Liverpool player last campaign.
The German was voted the Bundesliga's Players' Player of the Season, maintaining consistently high performance levels throughout the campaign.
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