The 22-year-old German star has dazzled in the Bundesliga, but questions linger about whether he's the right fit for the Reds' ambitions.
Here are five reasons this blockbuster move might not deliver the expected fireworks at Anfield.
1. Crowding the Midfield
Liverpool's midfield has been a cornerstone of their Premier League success under Arne Slot, with Dominik Szoboszlai's energy and link-up play with Mohamed Salah proving vital. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher described Szoboszlai as "vitally important" for his off-ball work, but Wirtz's arrival could force a tough call.
The German's preference for the attacking midfield role might see him edge out Szoboszlai, who has said of Salah, "We are really close… it's hard to explain how it feels to play alongside him." Their chemistry, evident in Szoboszlai's five assists for Salah last season, could be disrupted, potentially unsettling Liverpool's attacking rhythm on the right.
2. The Weight of a Record Fee
Bayer Leverkusen have rejected Liverpool's second bid of 130 million euros, holding firm for 150 million, according to transfer expert Christian Falk. This would make Wirtz the most expensive signing in British football history. While Liverpool have a strong track record with big-money buys like Virgil van Dijk, the pressure of such a price tag can crush young talents.
Just look at Antony, who admitted struggling emotionally under the weight of his 86 million euro move to Manchester United. Wirtz's flair will be under intense scrutiny, and anything less than immediate brilliance could see him labeled a flop.
3. British Record Curse
History shows that British record transfers often falter. From Andriy Shevchenko's 30.6 million pound move to Chelsea in 2006 to Enzo Fernandez's 106.8 million pound switch in 2023, few have lived up to the hype.
Rio Ferdinand's 29.1 million pound transfer to Manchester United in 2002 remains the last undisputed success. Liverpool's careful spending has typically avoided such pitfalls, but Wirtz's record-breaking fee carries a risk of joining this less-than-glorious list.
4. Big-Game Questions
Wirtz's stats are eye-catching, 57 goals and 65 assists in 197 games for Leverkusen, averaging a goal contribution every 117 minutes. Yet, his record against elite opposition raises doubts. He has just one goal and one assist in 10 matches against Bayern Munich and struggled in high-stakes Champions League games against Milan, Inter, and Atletico Madrid.
His anonymous display against Liverpool earlier this season, as reported by This Is Anfield, suggests he may not yet be the clutch performer for top-tier battles.
5. Missing the Striker Priority
While Wirtz's creativity is undeniable, Liverpool's reported interest in a top striker like Newcastle's Alexander Isak, described by sources as Slot's "dream" No.9, might be a bigger need. Isak's 22 Premier League goals last season outshine other targets like Hugo Ekitike (15 goals) or Benjamin Sesko (13 goals).
With Leverkusen's steep demands for Wirtz, Liverpool could have allocated funds to secure a proven goalscorer, potentially offering more immediate impact than another midfielder.
Despite these concerns, excitement is building. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported on X that "Liverpool are confident to get Florian Wirtz deal done after fresh contacts in last 24/48 hours," with the Reds now favorites ahead of Bayern Munich.
Former teammate Toni Kroos has said Wirtz's move to Anfield feels "right," per Empire of the Kop. Still, Liverpool fans should temper expectations, this bold move could be a masterstroke or a costly gamble.
Liverpool have reportedly secured a major coup by reaching an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen's star midfielder Florian Wirtz, outmaneuvering Bayern Munich in a transfer saga that has stunned German football.
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