Wirtz arrival makes Liverpool transfer 'extra fun', says Frimpong
Florian Wirtz sealed his transfer to Liverpool on Friday, reuniting with former Bayer Leverkusen team-mate Jeremie Frimpong at Anfield.
New Liverpool full-back Jeremie Frimpong believes the arrival of former Bayer Leverkusen team-mate Florian Wirtz has made his move to Anfield "extra fun".
Frimpong was Liverpool's first signing of the summer transfer window, arriving from the Bundesliga side on a five-year deal for a reported £29m (€35m) deal.
And Wirtz quickly followed him to Merseyside, joining for a reported club-record fee of £116m (€135m) inclusive of a potential £16m in add-ons, which was announced on Friday.
The German international was a pivotal figure for Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso, making 119 appearances under the Spaniard, while scoring 38 goals and providing 43 assists.
Wirtz helped the club to their first-ever Bundesliga in 2023-24, as well as the DFB-Pokal, in Leverkusen's unbeaten domestic season.
He followed that up with 30 goal involvements last term. His 16 goals were only second to Patrik Schick (27) among the team, scoring his tally from 13.8 expected goals (xG).
Wirtz also recorded the most assists (14), while only Alex Grimaldo (107) created more chances than his 91 among Leverkusen players in all competitions last season.
"I'm really excited. I'm really looking forward to playing with Liverpool. And of course Florian Wirtz, my good friend, he's coming too. That makes it extra fun," Frimpong told ESPN NL.
"I also already know some guys from the national team. So yeah, I'm really up for it. I can't wait for it to start."
Frimpong was also another crucial part of Leverkusen's success over the last few seasons, and was brought in to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, who moved to Real Madrid.
Indeed, the full-back has scored more goals (19) than any other defender in Europe's top five leagues in all competitions since the start of the 2023-24 campaign.
Asked what manager Arne Slot had said to him during the transfer process, Frimpong said: "Yes, definitely. When I first spoke to him, I immediately noticed that he was interested.
"He said he really wanted me at Liverpool and that I would fit well into the team.
"And when you hear that Arne Slot wants you - and then to play for Liverpool too - that's just an honour, you know? How could I say no?"
The pair could make their competitive debut for the Reds in the Community Shield on August 10, when they face FA Cup winners Crystal Palace at Wembley.
