'Sources have told me' - Transfer expert drops reveal about Florian Wirtz and a collapsed Liverpool deal

Liverpool's decision to splurge on Florian Wirtz rather than seek a cheaper alternative has come under fire.

That is according to experienced former Tottenham, Everton and Aston Villa scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

Wirtz is a player who has been taking plenty of flak over the last couple of months, and deservedly so.

The Germany international arrived for a huge fee, and has yet to even repay a sliver of that investment.

Worry is beginning to set in among the Liverpool fanbase over whether he can eventually be the star expected.

And the decision to pursue the German over another Premier League ace is made all the more relevant following the events emerging over the weekend.

Liverpool overlooked a cheaper Florian Wirtz alternative

Liverpool may be regretting their decision to pursue Wirtz over other targets, with another alternative showcasing his quality at the weekend.

While the German struggled to imprint himself on Anfield, Manchester City midfielder Rayan Cherki announced himself with an exceptionally well-worked goal.

"I know for a fact that sources were telling me some time ago they had the chance to sign the boy, Cherki, who's at Man City. But they didn't fancy Cherki," King told Football Insider.

"And then they went and paid three times the amount of what Cherki costs to bring in Wirtz.

"Now, as good a player as he might be, he certainly ain't shown anything like what he was performing in Germany in the first six or seven matches he's played for Liverpool this season.

"I mean, when you look at him and Cherki and Haaland for Man City, and you think that Wirtz cost more money than them two put together. You know what I mean?

"So, to be honest, I could see him going back to Germany. Because it's an awful lot of money to pay for him."

Liverpool can't leave Wirtz decision too late

At the moment, Liverpool could likely still get a sizeable fee for Wirtz.

Two poor seasons will not have reduced his stock as dramatically as most footballers.

That is mainly due to his status in the German football scene, with him often producing the goods for his nation.

If things do not work out from now until the end of the season, then the Reds have a serious decision to make over the playmaker's future at Anfield.

And it must be made before he loses any more value.