Florian Wirtz - All Goals and Assists for Bayer Leverkusen

 

Florian Wirtz - All Goals and Assists for Bayer Leverkusen

Florian Wirtz, the dazzling German attacking midfielder, rose to prominence as the undisputed star of Bayer Leverkusen, orchestrating their historic and unbeaten 2023/2024 season. His exceptional talent, creativity, and maturity beyond his years marked him as one of the most coveted young players in world football, culminating in a blockbuster transfer to Liverpool.

Wirtz's journey at Bayer Leverkusen began in May 2020, making his senior debut just a fortnight after his 17th birthday. He quickly established himself as a prodigy, becoming the youngest goalscorer in Bundesliga history at the time. Over five and a half standout seasons, he evolved from a promising talent into a genuine world-class playmaker, consistently delivering moments of magic for Die Werkself.

The 2023/2024 season was nothing short of monumental for both Wirtz and Bayer Leverkusen. Under Xabi Alonso, the team achieved an unprecedented Bundesliga title, going the entire league campaign unbeaten. Wirtz was the driving force behind this success, showcasing his exceptional vision, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability. He reached double figures for both goals and assists for the first time in his career, scoring 11 goals and providing 11 assists in the Bundesliga. Across all competitions, he bagged 16 goals and 15 assists in 45 appearances, leading Leverkusen to a domestic double (Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal) and a run to the UEFA Europa League final.

Wirtz's playing style is a blend of artistry and efficiency. Operating primarily as an attacking midfielder or an inverted winger, he possesses elite close control, allowing him to glide past defenders with ease. His dribbling success rate is among the best in Europe, and he frequently attempts take-ons, leading the Bundesliga in this metric during the 2024/2025 season (where he accumulated 10 goals and 13 assists in 31 league matches, continuing his exceptional form). He excels at making incisive passes, creating numerous chances for his teammates, and has a keen eye for goal himself, capable of scoring from various positions.

Beyond his offensive contributions, Wirtz is also a "pressing monster," as described by some analysts. He exhibits an incredibly high work rate, leading the Bundesliga in high turnovers (possessions won in the final third) in 2024/2025. This intelligent pressing allows him to win back the ball in dangerous areas, initiating quick transitions and adding another dimension to his all-around game. His versatility also means he can be deployed in various attacking roles, including a false nine, making him a tactical dream for any manager.

Given his exceptional performances, it was no surprise that top clubs across Europe vied for his signature. Liverpool emerged as the frontrunners, eager to secure a generational talent to bolster their attacking midfield. The transfer was officially confirmed on June 20, 2025, marking a new chapter in Wirtz's career and a significant statement of intent from the Merseyside club.

The transfer fee for Florian Wirtz is a British record, with Liverpool paying an initial £100 million (€112 million) to Bayer Leverkusen, potentially rising to £116 million (€130 million) with performance-related add-ons. This colossal sum underscores his immense value and the high expectations placed upon him. Wirtz has signed a long-term contract with Liverpool, reportedly until 2030, and is set to become one of the club's top earners.

His move to Anfield sees him reunite with former Bayer Leverkusen teammate Jeremie Frimpong, who also joined Liverpool earlier in the summer. Wirtz himself expressed his excitement for the new challenge, stating his desire for "something completely new" by joining the Premier League. As he embarks on this next phase, the football world eagerly anticipates how this incredibly gifted 22-year-old will adapt and thrive in one of the world's most demanding leagues.