Liverpool exploit genius contract clause to save millions in this summer's transfer market and it's vital to the Florian Wirtz deal

Liverpool could benefit from a genius contract clause, which may help the Reds sign Florian Wirtz this summer.

Liverpool will, no doubt, be busy in this summer’s transfer market, having already signed former Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong.

The Netherlands international penned a five-year deal at the Reds after they activated his £29.6m release clause last week.

And despite Liverpool supporters’ excitement surrounding the Frimpong deal, it’s fair to say they are even more excited by the prospect of Wirtz, 22, joining the side.

On May 30, it was widely reported that Liverpool had bid £105m for the German international, although according to Sky Sports, the Bundesliga side values the player nearer to the £126m mark.

Liverpool are trying to sign Florian Wirtz (Credit:Getty)

On Monday (June 2), German football expert Florian Plettenberg issued an update on the situation.

“Not much has changed: the second offer for Wirtz was not accepted in its current form, which is why, as reported, there was still no agreement a few days ago,” Plettenberg wrote on X.

“Negotiations are ongoing. Both teams want a quick agreement, but Leverkusen have a different overall package in mind than the one currently being offered by Liverpool.”

And the Reds may have some extra cash due to them using them avoiding triggering a clause in a current player’s contract, according to Portuguese outlet A Bola.

The report relates to Darwin Nunez, who has been linked with a potential exit from Liverpool this season.

Nunez, 25, joined the Reds from Benfica in the summer in a deal worth an initial £64m (€75 m) plus performance-related add-ons which could rise to £84.4m (€100 m).

Darwin Nunez could leave Liverpool (Credit:Getty)

However, A Bola claims the fee will not rise above €85m as he did not meet the specific clause, which would’ve been triggered if Nunez started 25 or more Premier League or Champions League matches in the 2024/25 campaign.

So, Liverpool may have avoided paying a further €5m for Nunez, which could, in theory, be used in their pursuit of Wirtz.

Arne Slot on summer transfers

Slot, 46, gave his thoughts on Liverpool's summer plans last month.

Slot said: "City will probably strengthen the squad again. If the rumours are correct, Arsenal is planning the same, so it would be stupid if we are not looking at trying to strengthen the squad as well.

"Again, I've said it many times, it's not that easy because this team has already won the league. So to find players that can strengthen us - that might not be that difficult - because there are certain players in the world where I think, 'if they would come, it would be nice'."