Liverpool New Boy Florian Wirtz Creates Emotional Farewell Video for Bayer Leverkusen Fans After Record-Breaking Transfer to Anfield

“Thank You for Everything” – Florian Wirtz’s Tearful Goodbye to Leverkusen

In the modern football world, transfers are rarely just about numbers. Sometimes, they carry stories, emotions, and years of shared memories. And in the case of Florian Wirtz, that story is heartfelt and personal. The 22-year-old wonderkid, now Liverpool’s most expensive signing of all time, has left Bayer Leverkusen after five-and-a-half transformative years—and he’s done so with grace and gratitude.

Just days after completing a sensational £116 million ($156m) move to Anfield—a British record transfer fee—Wirtz took to social media to post a farewell video that’s already been viewed millions of times. Sitting in an empty BayArena, his words struck a chord with fans who had watched him grow from a raw teenage talent into one of the most dazzling attacking midfielders in Europe.

What Happened? From Bundesliga Star to Liverpool Sensation

Wirtz’s move to Liverpool was one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer. Talks between Bayer Leverkusen and the Reds began shortly after the 2024-25 Bundesliga season concluded, as interest from Merseyside intensified following the German club’s historic domestic double. Negotiations moved quickly, and within weeks, the deal was sealed.

Because of the timing, Wirtz didn’t have the opportunity to say goodbye to the fans on the pitch. But he wasn’t going to leave without a proper farewell. So, in a simple yet powerful gesture, the midfielder returned to Leverkusen’s stadium one final time—just him, a camera, and a message from the heart.

What Wirtz Said: A Message Straight from the Heart

“Dear fans,” Wirtz begins, seated alone in the stands. “Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to say goodbye to you at the last game. That’s why I’m glad I can sit here once more in the BayArena and say a few words to you.”

It’s not just a goodbye—it’s a love letter. A tribute to a journey that began when he was just 16 years old, full of dreams and promise.

“I still remember when I transferred here five and a half years ago as a 16-year-old kid with big dreams,” he continues. “I’ve had so many experiences I could never have imagined. What we achieved [in 2023/24] is still hard to grasp. Unbeaten, champions, with a huge point gap. How you welcomed us back here… when we drove through the city on the bus and arrived at the stadium to celebrate in the rain, I’ll never forget that.”

He ends with a note that encapsulates his humility and affection for the club that made him: “I want to thank you for the beautiful time you gave me and for all the love you showed me. I hope you become champions again. Yours, Flo.”

The Bigger Picture: Why This Transfer Matters

Florian Wirtz Germany 2025

While the farewell video tugs at the heartstrings, Wirtz’s move to Liverpool marks a bold new chapter in both his career and the future of the Reds. After a transition year that saw Jürgen Klopp step down and Arne Slot take the reins, Liverpool are rebuilding—and Wirtz is seen as the centerpiece of that reconstruction.

At just 22, he already has a résumé most players would dream of. In Leverkusen’s title-winning campaign, he registered 16 goals and 15 assists across all competitions. But it’s not just about numbers with Wirtz—it’s about how he plays the game. Vision, creativity, composure, and maturity beyond his years—Wirtz is, quite simply, a footballer’s footballer.

At Liverpool, he’s expected to be a leader in a new-look midfield that could feature other exciting names like Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. Arne Slot’s emphasis on technical, possession-based football aligns perfectly with Wirtz’s natural instincts, and there’s every reason to believe that he could light up Anfield just as he did the BayArena.

Did You Know? A Star Born in Cologne, Forged in Leverkusen

Wirtz’s rise has been meteoric but steady. Born in Pulheim, near Cologne, he was spotted by Leverkusen scouts while playing in the youth ranks of local rivals FC Köln. The decision to bring him across the Rhine raised eyebrows at the time—but Leverkusen knew exactly what they were doing.

He made his Bundesliga debut at 17 and immediately looked at home. Over the next five years, he evolved into Leverkusen’s main creative force and was instrumental in their historic 2023-24 season, in which they went unbeaten in the league—a first in German football history.

His playmaking ability earned him early comparisons to players like Kai Havertz, but those comparisons soon faded. Wirtz wasn’t the next anyone. He was Florian Wirtz—unique, bold, and entirely his own player.

What Next for Liverpool?

Liverpool FC v Crystal Palace FC – Premier League

Wirtz won’t have to wait long to get started in red. Liverpool kicked off their pre-season with a comfortable win over Preston, and now they’ll jet off to Asia for a summer tour that includes matches against AC Milan (July 26) and Yokohama F. Marinos (July 30).

Fans are already eager to see how Slot deploys Wirtz in midfield—whether he plays centrally as a No. 10, deeper as a roaming No. 8, or even occasionally wide. One thing’s for sure: he will play. A club doesn’t spend £116 million on a spectator.

Liverpool’s hopes for the 2025-26 season will hinge in large part on how quickly Wirtz adapts to the Premier League. But with his technical skillset, low center of gravity, and mental toughness, few doubt he’ll thrive.

What This Means for Bayer Leverkusen

Losing a player like Wirtz is always painful—especially when he’s homegrown. But Leverkusen can be proud of how they developed him and of the success they shared together.

The club has reportedly already reinvested some of the funds into strengthening other areas of the squad, with manager Xabi Alonso remaining committed to the long-term project. Still, replacing a player of Wirtz’s caliber isn’t easy.

It’s not just his numbers—it’s his leadership, his intelligence on the pitch, his connection with fans. For all their progress, Leverkusen know that finding the next “Flo” may take time.

Final Thoughts: A Farewell, Not a Goodbye

Florian Wirtz’s departure from Bayer Leverkusen feels less like an ending and more like the turning of a page. His message to the fans, his respect for the club, and his decision to come back to say goodbye in person all point to a player who understands what football really means.

Now, at Liverpool, he starts a new journey. The expectations will be enormous. The spotlight will be brighter than ever. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned over the last five years, it’s that Florian Wirtz doesn’t just handle pressure—he thrives under it.

Welcome to Anfield, Flo. A new chapter begins.