Liverpool have landed one of Europe’s most sought-after young stars in Florian Wirtz, prising the German playmaker from Bayer Leverkusen in a move that speaks volumes about their ambition under Arne Slot.

Florian Wirtz has landed in England for his Liverpool medical ahead of a British record £116m move to the club. Liverpool came to a verbal agreement with Bayer Levekusen last week after seeing three bids turned down, with a fourth and final offer worth an initial £100m plus add-ons being accepted.

Florian Wirtz is central to head coach Arne Slot’s Liverpool vision. Any player joining for what could ultimately be a British record transfer fee can expect to have the team built around him — and the German playmaker is no exception.