Liverpool close in on Wirtz with star reportedly scouting homes in UK | OneFootball

Florian Wirtz to Liverpool? A Game-Changing Move in the Making

Liverpool’s Strategic Interest

Liverpool’s pursuit of Florian Wirtz has gathered significant momentum, with The Athletic reporting that Bayern Munich no longer expect to sign the highly-rated playmaker. The German international is believed to favour a move to Anfield if he departs Bayer Leverkusen this summer — a potential coup for Arne Slot in his early tenure as Liverpool boss.

While nothing is confirmed due to the financial complexities of negotiating with Leverkusen, Wirtz’s recent house-hunting trip to the north west of England is a telling sign. Bayern have already been informed of his preference, leaving Liverpool in pole position should talks advance.

At just 22, Wirtz has become one of the most sought-after creative talents in Europe. His 2023–24 campaign was nothing short of sensational: 18 goals, 20 assists in 49 appearances, and a central role in Leverkusen’s unbeaten domestic season. His reward? Bundesliga Player of the Season. The numbers are dazzling and reflect a talent maturing rapidly.

Wirtz vs Szoboszlai

There is an interesting comparison to be made between Wirtz and Liverpool’s current primary attacking midfielder, Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungarian has offered intensity, pressing, and off-ball movement — especially in Arne Slot’s system, which depends heavily on underlapping runs to free up Liverpool’s wide forwards.

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Szoboszlai’s five goals and six assists in 34 Premier League appearances represent a solid if unspectacular return. Slot himself was quick to point out the need for more end product from his midfielders. That’s where Wirtz excels.

Wirtz’s league numbers since the start of last season — 21 goals and 23 assists — are markedly better, though achieved in the Bundesliga. Still, the difference in style is pronounced. Wirtz’s game is about finesse. He thrives on tight control, flicks, and positional awareness. He can break a press with a single touch or drift into spaces between the lines and thread a decisive pass. Compared to Szoboszlai’s powerful drives and explosive energy, Wirtz is more measured and surgical.

Versatility in Attack

What makes Wirtz particularly attractive to Liverpool is his positional flexibility. He can slot in behind the striker, float wide, or even drop deeper to help progress the ball. That adaptability would allow Slot to shuffle his attack depending on the opposition — and potentially avoid the costly pursuit of a top-tier centre-forward.

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As Liverpool look ahead to life beyond Mohamed Salah, who turns 33 next month, Wirtz’s youth and creative vision make him an ideal long-term investment. He might not replace Salah directly, but his ability to contribute in a variety of attacking roles could help mitigate the eventual transition.

In that context, Wirtz is less of a like-for-like substitute and more of a multi-functional solution. Whether pulling wide to escape a marker, or weaving through deep defences, he offers qualities that complement rather than compete with Liverpool’s current attacking weapons.

Intent and Imagination

The intent behind Liverpool’s interest is as significant as the player himself. Securing Wirtz would not only bring an elite-level attacker to Anfield, it would also signal that Slot’s vision for the club is already being backed. The phrase “definitely keen to leave his comfort zone at some point and experience something new,” as Wirtz told Sports Illustrated, hints at a player mentally prepared for a new challenge, and one who has the self-awareness to thrive in the Premier League spotlight.

Leverkusen’s CEO, Fernando Carro, maintains there’s still a “very high chance” Wirtz stays, but the underlying tone feels more like negotiation than certainty. Wirtz’s contract may run until 2027, but the circumstances suggest the door is wide open for a big move now — and Liverpool seem to be holding the key.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Florian Wirtz to Liverpool? Count us in. It’s been years since a creative midfielder got fans genuinely buzzing like this. Watching Wirtz at Leverkusen was like watching Philippe Coutinho in his prime — but more disciplined and with better decision-making in the final third. He’s got that spark. He’s got that control. And more importantly, he’s got the confidence to carry a top European side.

There’s a clear gap in Liverpool’s squad for this type of player. Szoboszlai works hard but hasn’t shown enough cutting edge. Wirtz feels like the final piece to make our attack truly unpredictable again — that little moment of magic when games get cagey and tight. Whether he’s wriggling between defenders or sliding in Darwin or Jota, he gives us that craft we’ve lacked centrally.

Slot wants intelligent players who can adapt, rotate, and keep the ball moving quickly. Wirtz fits that mould perfectly. If we can make this deal happen, not only are we building for the post-Salah future, but we’re announcing that we mean business under the new manager. Forget rivals like City or Bayern — this lad belongs at Anfield.