So it's confirmed, Florian Wirtz will join Liverpool in a British-record deal that could reach £127 million with add-ons. The German playmaker is one of the most exciting young players in world football and will look to help Arne Slot's English champions retain their Premier League crown.
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At just 22 years old, Wirtz is set to become one of the most expensive players in football history, as the Reds beat Bayern Munich and Manchester City to his signature. He will join Dutch right-back Jeremie Frimpong in making the move from Bayer Leverkusen to the red side of Merseyside.
The pair are looking to take on a new challenge after playing huge roles in the Bundesliga club going a full domestic season unbeaten, doing so in 2023/24. Wirtz was at the heart of everything as Leverkusen scored 89 goals, while Frimpong was a constant threat on the right flank. Under ex-Liverpool star Xabi Alonso's guidance, the duo developed into two of the most promising players in Europe.
Xabi Alonso on 'World-Class' Florian Wirtz
'One of the top players in the world'
When speculation was ramping up about where Wirtz would be playing his football towards the end of the 2024/25 season, Alonso was quizzed on his thoughts about the Germany international. Speaking in glowing terms, the Spaniard hailed his young star as 'world-class', as he said (per This is Anfield):
"Flo is one of the top players in the world. He is world-class. Flo has a very mature mind. The people around him, his parents, they want the best for him."
While Alonso himself was set to depart to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, he was sure to point out that he only wanted the best for Wirtz. He added: "They are in a very important moment of his career. Whatever he does, I am really close to Flo, and I will be happy for him."
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'Florian can do that. That's why he's so good'
The highest piece of praise Alonso could ever pay the new Liverpool ace came before his 'world-class' claim. Per the Express, the Spanish tactician said of the talented player: "There are good players and there are players who look good on the pitch. The player who looks good does things that are nice, but not necessarily efficient."
He then went on to compare the ability Wirtz possesses to that of one of the greatest players of all time, Lionel Messi. Alonso continued to wax lyrical about the German creator, with words that will excite the adoring Kop before he has even kicked a ball for them:
"Why is Messi so good? Because he knows how and when to play simple passes. Messi says: 'You're in a better position? Here, there you have the ball!' It's not always about making the most brilliant move, but the best and smartest. Florian can do that. That's why he's so good."
Statistics in this article are courtesy of the Bundesliga. Correct as of 11-06-25.