‘Liverpool facing unique situation as Florian Wirtz pursuit takes fresh twist’
Premier League champions Liverpool have set their sights on a move for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz.
The attacking midfielder has notched an impressive return of 16 goals and 14 assists across all competitions for the Bundesliga highfliers this term.
Wirtz was also instrumental to Leverkusen’s historic 2023/24 campaign when Xabi Alonso’s men went unbeaten throughout the entire domestic season and won the German league and cup double.
Perhaps it is no surprise, then, that Liverpool are keen on signing the 22-year-old who created two assists against Borussia Dortmund on 11 May.
Manchester City are no longer in contention for Wirtz
The biggest challenge that Liverpool faced in their pursuit of Wirtz was fellow interest from Manchester City.
However, Pep Guardiola’s men are no longer in contention to sign the man who scored two goals in Euro 2024.
| Florian Wirtz stats | 2024/25 all competitions |
| Appearances | 45 |
| Goals | 16 |
| Assists | 14 |
Writing in The Athletic’s Q&A [22 May], David Ornstein said: “Clearly Liverpool are very interested, hence contacting his representatives to express that. As you will have seen, word from the Etihad Stadium is that Manchester City are no longer in contention, citing the overall cost of any deal.
“No such word has emerged from Anfield to date, and given the unique nature of the player, they’ll want to be in the mix if there is a chance to get him.
“Many you speak to across the industry think Bayern remain in the driving seat, others reckon he’ll go to Liverpool, and some say he’ll stay at Leverkusen. This indicates a lack of clarity at present and that all parties are awaiting his decision.”
Wirtz could be an excellent signing for Liverpool
Arne Slot has already made an impressive mark in Merseyside, steering the Anfield giants to the Premier League title in his first season in charge of the Reds.
However, the Dutchman is yet to make a significant impact at Liverpool on the transfer front, as Federico Chiesa was his only addition last summer.
But now that the Merseyside outfit have won silverware under the 46-year-old’s stewardship, Slot appears intent on further bolstering his ranks.
Liverpool’s upcoming transfer activity has already been largely dictated by the fact that homegrown hero Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real Madrid on a free.
Consequently, the Reds are closing in on Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong as an Alexander-Arnold replacement, which could mean that Conor Bradley will continue in his current role as a back-up option.
Meanwhile, Wirtz’s performances in the Bundesliga show that he could have what it takes to make a mark on the Premier League and help Liverpool in their quest to battle for more trophies.