Liverpool want young Bayer Leverkusen sensation Florian Wirtz.
The German forward, 20, is being targeted by most of Europe’s elite, with Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Chelsea already at the front of a lengthy queue. But while City and Bayern appeared to hold the early edge in an inevitable transfer scrap for £80million-rated Wirtz next summer, news of Liverpool’s growing interest has altered the picture.
Kop boss Jurgen Klopp is a huge admirer of the free-scoring left winger and regards him as one of very few who could potentially fill Mo Salah’s record-scoring boots. Although the prolific Egyptian ignored huge offers to head to the Saudi Pro League last summer, many expect he will exit Anfield next June.
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AmazonAnd though Klopp has plenty of alternative, attacking options at the club, the opportunity to sign someone of Wirtz’s calibre would be irresistible. Klopp’s reputation in Germany and extensive contacts guarantee Liverpool being genuine contenders for the Bundesliga’s fast-rising superstar.
Wirtz has scored five times in all competitions this season but is still to break his duck for Germany after 12 appearances. The chances of Leverkusen considering any bids for him in January are non-existent as long as they are in the mix still for the Bundesliga title.
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One club not in the equation is struggling Manchester United. Ironically, the fallen Premier League giants could have grabbed Wirtz 18 months ago when interim coach Ralf Rangnick was in charge.
But the German’s bitter exit - and refusal to assume the football director reins at Old Trafford - ended any chance of United pulling off a coup for the then teenager. Now Wirtz believes he has far better options on the table than heading to Old Trafford.
