Florian Wirtz shuts down Liverpool claim with ‘respect’ message
Florian Wirtz has taken to social media to shut down recent claims about his potential move to Liverpool.
The Reds look set for a busy summer transfer window, as they aim to build on their Premier League title winning success this season.
Liverpool have already completed the signing of Jeremie Frimpong this summer from Bayer Leverkusen, helping to fill the void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold after his move to Real Madrid.
However, the wing-back looks as though he may not be the only player swapping Leverkusen for Anfield in the coming weeks.
Florian Wirtz comments amid transfer speculation
Earlier this week, Football Insider reported that Liverpool are confident they will sign Wirtz despite seeing an initial bid for the attacking midfielder rejected by Leverkusen.
Even so, the player himself has now dismissed suggestion about one aspect of any proposed move to Merseyside.
Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg recently claimed that the 22-year-old wants the number 10 shirt – which he currently wears for Leverkusen – when he arrives at Anfield.
Wirtz now seems to have issued a strong response to that claim. Taking to his Instagram story on Tuesday (3 June), he wrote: “Who says I want the 10? I respect players. Don’t believe everything what’s written.”
Currently, the number ten shirt at Liverpool belongs to one of their stand out performers this season in Alexis Mac Allister.
Liverpool will love transfer target’s latest comments
Football Insider Verdict
From the perspective of those currently at Anfield, this message from Wirtz will no doubt go down very well indeed.
The fact he is reacting to these claims in such a way not only suggests he is following what is being said about his future, but also that he expects a move to Liverpool to be completed.
Should that happen, it would be a major boost for Arne Slot and his side, who will need reinforcements if they are to match or better their achievements from this season.
Wirtz’s attacking ability shows that he has what’s needed to help improve the squad, and so this is a signing that will inspire confidence.
Beyond that, the fact he appears keen not to rock the boat by upsetting the established order at Liverpool by shutting down these claims is also promising from an off-field perspective too.
That ought to help him settle in well if he does complete this deal, further strengthening the position the club find themselves in.