Wirtz's transfer to Liverpool faces legal hurdles. What's Köln got to do with it?

Florian Wirtz's move from Bayer to Liverpool could become one of the summer's blockbuster transfers. But significant legal issues have emerged around the deal.

Details: Wirtz spent his formative years, from age seven to sixteen, at Köln, and under FIFA regulations, the club is entitled to a solidarity payment equal to 5% of the transfer fee. Head coach Werner Wolf has stated that the club will review the legal framework to ensure they receive the money they're owed.

The current transfer fee being discussed is €105 million, which would see Köln's pocket €5.2 million. However, Bayer is holding out for €125 million, which would mean Wirtz's former club stands to gain an extra million euros.

Reminder: The transfer is also hitting snags over the fee itself, as Liverpool is currently unwilling to meet Bayer's £125 million asking price.