The Athletic reported that last year's Champions League away from Liverpool left a deep impression on Wilz, and Van Dijk also participated in the recruitment.
The Champions League match at Anfield last November left a deep impression on Wilz, and Leverkusen's experience at Liverpool's Kirkby training base the next day after a 0-4 defeat made him amazed at the facilities here.
Initially Liverpool had worried that he might choose to stay in his home country, Bayern Munich was seen as the most likely next home, and Manchester City also showed strong interest.
Lyon's Serky (later joining Manchester City) was once one of the alternatives, but Wilz was always the number one target because Slot needed to find a different type of front midfielder than Sobosloy. Although Sobo has been in the role for most of the championship season, he has performed more efficiently in the further back position.
The preparation work of Hughes and Slott fostering relationships over the past few months finally came into effect. The meeting between Slott and Wilz at the end of May became a decisive moment, and the Liverpool coach elaborated on the 22-year-old's position in his tactical system.
Wilz's father and agent said in July: "Slott elaborated on the philosophy of the game, the team tactics of ball-holding and oppression, and how Wilz can play an advantage in these areas, which left a decisive impression on my son. He is also a very charming person, the best coach of Wiltz's career, always those who give him full freedom and empathy."
Van Dijk also played a role in telephone communication, telling Wilz: "Liverpool is where to come."
Leverkusen originally asked for 150 million euros, but after a long and friendly negotiation with Pharmaceutical Sports Director Simon Rollfies, a deal of 110 million pounds of basic transfer fees (up to 116 million pounds). The fee will be paid in five installments, with additional terms linked to Wilz's help to win Liverpool's Premier League and Champions League titles.
Slott sees Wilz as a spark that provides Arnold-like creativity. Data shows that in the past two seasons, only Salah (28) has higher assists than Werz (23).