Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann believes Florian Wirtz would be making a "very good step" if a proposed big-money switch to Liverpool goes through in the summer transfer window.

While he may drift unnoticed between the lines on the pitch, Wirtz has been unable to escape the headlines during an early season transfer saga. The sought-after playmaker was initially thought to be subject of a three-way tussle between Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Real Madrid.

Liverpool’s pursuit of Florian Wirtz has taken a significant step forward after the club approached Bayer Leverkusen, the PA news agency understands. The club have held an interest in the 22-year-old playmaker for some time and his anticipated exit from the deposed Bundesliga champions was expected to spark a scramble for his signature.

Communications between the clubs had already been opened after an agreement was reached for Liverpool to sign Jeremie Frimpong.

Liverpool are reportedly in discussions to send a player in the opposite direction as they hope to land Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz. The Bundesliga side value their German international at £126million, which would be a British record transfer.

The 22-year-old Wirtz has been repeatedly linked with various top clubs, but is now taking the next step in his career with the Reds. Wirtz moved to Bayer Leverkusen in 2020 and developed into a world-class player there. In 2023/24, he won the double with Leverkusen.