Florian Wirtz to Liverpool: Bundesliga Expert Breaks Down the Possibility | OneFootball

Florian Wirtz and Liverpool: A Match Worth Waiting For?

As transfer speculation heats up across Europe, few names are generating more intrigue among Liverpool supporters than Florian Wirtz. On a recent episode of Media Matters on AnfieldIndex Pro, Bundesliga expert Ninad Barbadikar joined host Dave Davis to dissect the growing links between Liverpool and two of Bayer Leverkusen’s most coveted stars: Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz.

While Frimpong has rightly drawn attention for his electric pace and attacking thrust, it was Wirtz who commanded the deeper admiration from Barbadikar. And rightly so.

Wirtz is Germany’s Crown Jewel

“Absolutely,” Barbadikar responded when asked if Wirtz is among the stars of German football. “There’s no questioning that.” He didn’t hesitate in placing Wirtz alongside Jamal Musiala as “two of the biggest stars currently in German football.”

Having made his debut for Bayer Leverkusen in 2020, Wirtz has blossomed into a creative lynchpin under Xabi Alonso. “In the last couple of years he’s just gone to a different level,” Barbadikar observed, highlighting the attacking midfielder’s evolution. With 16 goals and 13 assists across major competitions, Wirtz’s output matches his promise.

Barbadikar also underlined how Wirtz’s influence goes beyond statistics. “He affects all phases of play for Leverkusen,” he said, noting that the player not only creates chances but also functions as “that connective tissue between midfield and attack.”

Why Liverpool?

According to Barbadikar, the appeal for Liverpool is multi-faceted. “It’s not really about money for Wirtz,” he explained. “It’s about the project where he can be successful, win the most trophies.” This aligns closely with Liverpool’s current ambitions under new manager Arne Slot.

Photo: IMAGO

Barbadikar believes Wirtz “would seek the right project to develop,” and with Manchester City reportedly pulling out of the race, Liverpool appear poised to capitalise. “It does seem like there’s a two-horse race for him between Liverpool and Bayern,” he said, before adding a crucial insight: “It will be in Leverkusen’s interest to sell him off to a team outside of the Bundesliga.”

If Wirtz were to choose Merseyside, he wouldn’t just fill a hole in the squad. He would elevate the entire attacking unit. Barbadikar imagines him playing “in front of Mac Allister and Gravenberch” or in a freer role “on the left,” depending on system flexibility.

The Numbers Back the Hype

Barbadikar pointed to Wirtz’s physical data to support his claim that the player is more than a traditional number 10. “He’s always in the charts in terms of sprints, duels won,” he said. “Wirtz is phenomenal as a playmaker… but also, you know, off the ball he gives his team so much.”

The expert likened Wirtz’s all-round ability to none other than Kevin De Bruyne. “I see him a lot in the same light,” he admitted, and questioned why Manchester City were so quick to step aside.

Final Thoughts from the Podcast

This wasn’t idle speculation. Barbadikar’s insights came from years of tracking Bundesliga stars and understanding tactical frameworks. His enthusiasm was clear: “He’s just so good at everything,” he concluded. “He’s going to go straight to the top of the game.”

It’s rare that a player combines technical brilliance, tactical maturity, and an elite mindset at such a young age. If Liverpool can convince Wirtz that Anfield is where he should continue his development, they won’t just be signing a footballer. They’ll be investing in a future legend.