Liverpool have a reputation for being shrewd operators in the transfer market, often monitoring players over long periods before making a move.
The Reds have already been active in the current transfer window, and fans’ excitement has been growing as they have been linked with some of the biggest names in European football.
Jeremie Frimpong has completed his move to Anfield from Bayer Leverkusen this summer, and more big names are expected to follow as the club undergoes a significant transformation ahead of the upcoming season.
One of the standout transfer stories at the moment is the potential signing of Florian Wirtz. The German midfielder is reportedly close to joining Arne Slot’s side for a club-record fee, as Liverpool aim to retain their Premier League title.
However, with Wirtz’s valuation exceeding £100m, Liverpool will need to make a substantial investment to secure his services. Interestingly, they could have saved a significant amount if Michael Edwards had been successful in his pursuit of the player five years ago.
Michael Edwards Wanted Florian Wirtz in 2020
Although Jurgen Klopp received much of the praise for Liverpool’s return to success, it was Edwards who masterminded the club’s achievements, working tirelessly behind the scenes.
While Edwards appears close to bringing one of the world’s most promising talents to Anfield, German outlet BILD has revealed that his plan to make Wirtz a Liverpool player has been in motion for quite some time, with initial contact dating back to 2020.
Reports suggest that the 45-year-old first reached out to the playmaker’s family while Wirtz was still with the FC Koln youth team, maintaining communication even after the midfielder joined Bayer Leverkusen.
After leaving Liverpool in 2022 to seek a new challenge, Edwards returned to the club two years later. Since his return to Anfield, he has reportedly stepped up his efforts to secure Wirtz’s signature, and it now appears that he may have finally succeeded.
Expectations for Wirtz will undoubtedly be high, but considering Edwards’ track record in the transfer market and the patience he has shown in pursuing this deal, it would come as no surprise if the German international were to make an immediate impact at Liverpool.
Edwards Has Played a Crucial Role in Securing Other Key Signings for Liverpool
Edwards first joined Liverpool in 2011, but it was not until 2016, when he was appointed sporting director, that he truly made his mark at the club, with his transfer decisions laying the foundations for future success.
In his time as sporting director, Edwards persuaded Klopp to prioritise the signing of Mohamed Salah over Julian Brandt and was instrumental in securing deals for Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, Sadio Mane, and Andy Robertson, among many others.
After returning to the club in a more senior role three years ago, Edwards now oversees the entire operation and collaborates with Richard Hughes in identifying and recruiting new talent. Together, they may have just secured their most impressive signing yet.
It has certainly been a hectic summer for the pair, but so far, there is no sign of their efforts slowing down, and Liverpool could prove to be a formidable force next season.
In other news, Jeremie Frimpong Joins Liverpool in €35m Summer Deal: What Fans Can Expect from the Dutch Right-Back