**Erik ten Hag Frustrated Over Florian Wirtz’s Potential Transfer to Liverpool**
New Bayer Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag has voiced his frustration and disappointment following the news that Florian Wirtz, the club’s star midfielder, is on the verge of a high-profile move to Liverpool. Ten Hag, who took over from Xabi Alonso after the Spaniard left for Real Madrid, confirmed that Wirtz had personally informed him of his decision to depart for the Premier League this summer.
Clearly upset by the development, Ten Hag stated, “He came into my office yesterday and told me he’s joining a Premier League club. I’m deeply disappointed. I’m considering reporting the matter to FIFA for misconduct.” His comments suggest a belief that Liverpool may have overstepped regulations in their pursuit of the player.
Liverpool are believed to have made a substantial offer worth £109 million for Wirtz, a deal that would rank among the most expensive in British football history. However, Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly holding out for £126 million, a fee that would exceed the current record £115 million Chelsea paid to sign Moises Caicedo.
Despite the financial gap between the offer and the asking price, Liverpool remain optimistic about finalizing the deal. Reports indicate that Wirtz has already agreed to personal terms with the Merseyside club and has expressed a strong preference for a move to Anfield. As a result, rival suitors such as Manchester City and Bayern Munich have withdrawn from the race for the 22-year-old’s signature.
Wirtz has cemented his reputation as one of Europe’s top young talents over the last two seasons. He was instrumental in Leverkusen’s Bundesliga-winning campaign in 2023/24, registering 18 goals and 20 assists. In the most recent season, he continued to impress, contributing 16 goals and 15 assists, making him a key target for Liverpool’s new manager Arne Slot. Slot reportedly met with Wirtz privately and presented him with a vision in which the midfielder would play a pivotal role in the team’s future plans.
Ten Hag, who ended his stint with Manchester United in October and signed a deal with Leverkusen until June 2027, now faces a major challenge at the start of his tenure. Losing Wirtz would not only disrupt his tactical setup but also strip the team of one of its central figures. The transfer saga, still unfolding, could have significant implications for both clubs. Whether Ten Hag follows through with his threats or the transfer proceeds without FIFA intervention remains to be seen, but the situation underscores Liverpool’s intent to build a formidable squad under new leadership.
