Wirtz had grown up in a family that refused to compromise his development, nor that of his sister Juliane, who plays for Werder Bremen. His father Hans remains the chairman of Grun-Weiss Brauweiler, Wirtz's childhood was framed around the local football team. He grew up with a ball attached to his feet.

The latest Liverpool transfer news and rumours, including updates on the futures of Alexander Isak, Andy Robertson, Florian Wirtz, Jarell Quansah and Milos Kerkez

To paraphrase Jurgen Klopp's former assistant, Pep Lijnders, Liverpool should be looking to bring two types of players into its first team: elite academy prospects or stars so good that they are viewed as game-changers.

Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for an initial $135 million, according to CBS Sports sources. The agreement to sign the German international could ultimately break the British transfer record set by Chelsea when they signed Enzo Fernandez from Benfica for just short of $145 million.

Liverpool have arguably had the best start to the transfer window in the Premier League but now it is all about ending it in style

Anfield's executives do not often spend big on ready-made superstars but they were glad to make an exception for German star

Liverpool are considering a move for Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon, according to reports. The Premier League champions are finally set to complete their deal to sign Florian Wirtz after agreeing a £116 million deal with Bayer Leverkusen this week.