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.

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

The deal, reportedly to cost over $150 million dollars, gives reigning Premier League champions Liverpool a marquee playmaker with versatility across the attacking parts of the pitch.

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.

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.

Manchester United’s new-era recruitment drive has led them to Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. This summer’s striker market has been a seller’s game – and so far, United haven’t been able to call many shots.