Bayer Leverkusen Make Transfer Announcement Amid Liverpool £125m Talks as Impact Clear
Liverpool have seen movement in their summer transfer business, with updates emerging regarding Florian Wirtz and Caoimhin Kelleher.
Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed the arrival of goalkeeper Mark Flekken from Brentford, a transfer that has already influenced Liverpool’s dealings. Talks are still underway concerning a potential record-breaking move for Florian Wirtz, while Caoimhin Kelleher has now officially left Anfield.
Just like Liverpool, Leverkusen are eager to complete their summer transactions swiftly to ensure a smooth transition following Xabi Alonso’s departure.
Flekken, a 30-year-old Dutch international, joins from Brentford for a fee of €10m (£8.4m), and the transfer chain reaction has continued, with Liverpool finalising another deal of their own.
As reported by the Liverpool Echo, Kelleher has sealed an £18m transfer to Brentford, who moved quickly to secure a replacement for their 31-year-old departing keeper.
Kelleher, who represents the Republic of Ireland, had entered the final year of his contract at Liverpool and had made it clear that he was seeking regular first-team football.
Leverkusen’s move played a crucial role in facilitating a series of transfers that allowed each party to achieve their goals, with both their announcement and Liverpool’s coming on Tuesday.
The German side are aiming to rebuild ahead of the new campaign after ending the season 13 points behind Bundesliga winners Bayern Munich.
They were also assisted financially by Jeremie Frimpong’s £29.5m release clause, which provided Liverpool with an accessible opportunity to pursue the player.
However, discussions between the two clubs are still ongoing as they attempt to resolve the immediate future of highly-rated midfielder Florian Wirtz.
Leverkusen have recently turned down Liverpool’s most recent bid of €130m (£109m), as they continue to hold firm on their valuation of €150m (£125m).
The 22-year-old has already dismissed interest from both Bayern Munich and Manchester City, making it evident that his preferred destination is the Premier League—more specifically, Liverpool. Talks between the two clubs remain active.
Wirtz is currently the top target for Liverpool, even though the club is also conducting background checks on other potential signings.
Since there had initially been an expectation that Wirtz would remain in the Bundesliga, Liverpool had already arranged a meeting between Arne Slot and Lyon midfielder Rayan Cherki. That meeting still went ahead prior to resuming negotiations with Leverkusen for their number 10.
In other news, Liverpool Ramping Up Move to Sign “England’s Best CB”, He’s Even Better Than Dean Huijsen
