Liverpool Signs Wirtz for Record Fee After Alexander-Arnold Exit

Liverpool signed German international Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for an initial £100 million in a deal that could become a British record, aiming to fill the creative gap left by Trent Alexander-Arnold's transfer to Real Madrid. Wirtz has already scored for Liverpool in pre-season friendlies and expressed confidence despite the club-record fee, focusing on contributing to the team. Manager Arne Slot highlighted Wirtz's creativity in the final third as crucial to compensating for Alexander-Arnold's departure. Both Slot and Wirtz emphasized the need to integrate new signings quickly to maintain competitiveness. Liverpool are preparing to defend their Premier League title in a busy transfer market. The club will face Crystal Palace in the Community Shield before starting their league campaign against Bournemouth.