Florian Wirtz transfer clauses explain why Liverpool will be happy to pay extra $22M

Florian Wirtz could end up costing Liverpool an additional $22 million (£16 million), but the Reds are more than willing to foot the bill.

German international Wirtz made headlines this summer when he transferred from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool for an initial $136M (£100m), a figure that could increase to $157M (£116m) with add-ons.

Despite not immediately finding his footing in England, Wirtz and the reigning champions have had a challenging start to the season, facing off against Bournemouth, Champions League qualifiers Newcastle United, and last season's runners-up Arsenal. However, Liverpool emerged victorious in all three matches, and Wirtz is expected to be in the starting line-up again when they face Burnley after the international break.

According to a report from The Times, the additional $22M (£16m) in add-ons will only be fully paid to Leverkusen if Wirtz secures either the Premier League or Champions League title four times during his tenure at Anfield, a feat Liverpool undoubtedly hopes he achieves.

While Wirtz has yet to score for Liverpool, he did net a spectacular free-kick for Germany in their 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland, which features his new Reds teammate Conor Bradley. After the match, Wirtz admitted that playing in the Premier League is a challenge.

"It's another league, another type of football. I'm happy to be there," Wirtz said. "I have no idea when I'll score my first goal, hopefully in the next game, but it will come at some point."

Meanwhile, German football legend Michael Ballack has expressed concern over the migration of Bundesliga talents to the Premier League, citing the recent transfers of Wirtz and Nick Woltemade as examples.

However, he supports their decision to bypass the traditional route to Bayern Munich.

"Would it have made sense for [Wirtz] and his development to play another two or three years in the Bundesliga with Bayern?"

Ballack questioned in an interview with Sport Bild. "Of course, he would win championships there.

"But is the Bundesliga still the ultimate challenge for him at the highest level? No, because the Bundesliga was left behind by the Premier League years ago.

"That's the reality. That's why it is generally no longer as attractive for the absolute top players. That's why changes are necessary."

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