Bayer boss explains Liverpool deal
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Bayer Leverkusen’s managing director Fernando Carro mourns the departure of exceptional player Florian Wirtz. The 60-year-old does not just look at the 22-year-old’s transfer to Liverpool from a financial perspective. “Many people have contacted me to congratulate us on the dimension of the change from Florian Wirtz on Liverpool. Of course, I understand this point of view and see the economic effects that he has in our favor,” wrote the Werkelf boss in a contribution to the business network “LinkedIn”.
“But people have to understand: As CEO of Bayer 04 Leverkusen, it was never my primary goal to maximize the financial gain. My clear goal is the sporting success for this club. That is why we tried to convince Florian to stay with us. And it hurts that we didn’t manage,” explained Carro.
On Friday, Liverpool and Bayer 04 officially made the most expensive transfer of a German footballer. According to reports, the transfer fee including bonus payments can theoretically increase to up to 150 million euros. “The Athletic” wrote from an agreement to a total of EUR 136.3 million, of which 117.5 million euros should flow immediately – another 18.8 million euros are possible in additional payments. According to the “Sport Bild”, EUR 125 million will be fixed to Leverkusen, 15 million euros are realistic and another 10 million euros are conceivable via bonuses that are difficult to reach. For this, Wirtz not only has to get the Champions League with the LFC, but also have a part of the title win.
Carro said: “In the end it was Florian’s desire to take the chance to play for Liverpool. We had the feeling that we had to respect his wish-and under these circumstances, we had to try to make a win-win situation out of it: for the player that he can join his favorite option, and that we significantly improve the economic resources for the future of Bayer 04 Leverkusen.” Wirtz came to Leverkusen as a talent and left the club as a legend. “If you get such honors at the age of 22, that’s really unique. For me, Florian Wirtz will always be part of this organization.”
Bayer Leverkusen: Rolfes says goodbye to Wirtz emotionally
Sports Managing Director Simon Rolfes had previously commented on “LinkedIn” with an emotional statement. “Thank you, Flo, for your time under the cross and for you are who you are. And also a huge thank you to your family, who was so often with us. To your parents, who were always open and respectful in all conversations. We have known each other for many, many years and the trust and commitment between us is strong and unusual.