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Liverpool succeeded in an all-time transfer.
Liverpool announced on the 21st (Korea time) that it has agreed to transfer Florian Birz with Leverkusen of Germany. The specific terms of the contract were not revealed, but local media in the UK said the contract will last for five years and 2023 and the transfer fee will reach up to 116 million pounds (about 214.8 billion won). The guarantee amount alone reached £100 million, including an option of £16 million.
£116 million is the highest ever in the English Premier League (EPL), which has exceeded the highest transfer fee in Liverpool history. Liverpool invested £75 million in 2018 when they acquired Virgil van Dijk from Southampton. Birtz's transfer fee exceeds the £115m Chelsea paid when they acquired Moises Caicedo from Brighton in 2023.
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Birtz was the hottest potato this summer. He is considered one of the best talents in the world beyond Germany. Birtz, who joined Leverkusen in January 2020, made his Bundesliga debut in May that year at the age of 17 years and 5 days. In June of the same year, he became the youngest Bundesliga scorer (17 years and 34 years) against Bayern Munich.
Birtz, who received attention early on, emerged as a world-class player through the 2023-2024 season. Birtz, who led Leverkusen to an unbeaten victory in the German Bundesliga, was named MVP of the season, further raising his stock price. Birtz, who has both excellent skills and senses, has also emerged as an ace in the German national team, drawing attention from big clubs. Birtz, who made his first A-match debut in 2021, has already played 31 A-match games.
Birtz continued his performance this season by scoring 16 goals and 14 assists. In his six seasons with Leverkusen, he scored 57 goals in 197 games. After the end of the season, love calls poured in for Birz. Manchester City and Bayern were the most active in the beginning. Manchester City, which is saying goodbye to Kevin De Bruyne, are in the race to recruit Birtz as their successor. However, Manchester City took a step back after confirming that it costs a huge amount of money, including annual salary and transfer fees.
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Bayern, which unconditionally recruits and sees German talent, has also jumped in. Bayern was certain to recruit Birtz for reasons such as his relationship with his father. Many media reported that Birtz was heading to Bayern.
However, a major catastrophe occurred. Liverpool jumped in. Birtz, who had been to England, was very attracted to Liverpool's vision and plans. Liverpool took Birz's heart with an aggressive move. Birtz wants to go to Leverkusen "Liverpool only" he said. Real Madrid, coached by Xavi Alonso, who was with Birtz in Leverkusen in the meantime, aimed for hijacking. However, Liverpool offered the last large amount and eventually succeeded in signing Birz.
In an interview after joining Liverpool, Birtz said "I'm very happy and proud. I've been waiting for a long time, but it's finally over" expressed his feelings. Then "I thought it was time to go to the next stage in the career. I wanted to go to the top three clubs in the world, and Liverpool was one of them. I thought Liverpool would fit me well. I had confidence in everything the people and the club here would offer me."
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Witzr said "Of course, the choice was not an easy task. I'm a German player, and I play for the German national team. However, the conversation with everyone, including the director, was good from the first meeting. Every time I talked to people, I felt 'This is where I want to be'. That's why I'm 100% sure I want to join Liverpool." Then "I wanted to improve my personal and physical levels. Liverpool players are like machines. It's really strong and has good physicality. I thought it was an opportunity to get better, so I thought Liverpool was the right place for me."
He said "Liverpool fans are incredible. I also saw a victory parade. Looking forward to playing on the field for the fans"I felt the quality and scale of the team while facing Liverpool in the past. I always thought about the game in my mind." Then "People say I'm a creative player. I hope to bring this creativity to the team. I want to take my team to the next level, try to make goals and help"I'm not surprised here. I want to achieve something. That's why I want to continue with a good performance."
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Birtz finally "I'm looking forward to the new adventure before me. I'm looking forward to playing my first game"I want to win every competition every year. Since I won the league last season, I want to win again, and I want to go one step further in the European Champions League," he said emphatically.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
