Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has claimed Arne Slot held a secret meeting with Florian Wirtz in order to convince him on a move to Anfield this summer.
Wirtz looks set to complete his transfer to the Reds in the coming days after club record fee - and what could be a Premier League record - was agreed with Bayer Leverkusen. The 22-year-old is set to undergo a medical on Friday, with confirmation likely to follow soon after.
The German international looks set to be one of the biggest signings across the world this summer as he joins former teammate Jeremie Frimpong in making the move to Merseyside, with Milos Kerkez set to follow soon after as Liverpool wastes no time in preparing for next season’s title defense.
Wirtz has been the subject of interest from some of Europe’s biggest sides for some time now, and a move to Bayern Munich looked to have been his most likely option at one point, with Manchester City and Real Madrid having also been in the race.
But it’s Liverpool that is set to land his signature, with Hamann suggesting that Slot may have played a big role in convincing Wirtz to choose the Reds over their rivals.
“Apparently Liverpool have been in contact with Florian Wirtz for a long time, he and his family were impressed with how the club went about their business,” Hamann told Wette.de.
“Liverpool tried to get him when he joined Bayer Leverkusen five years ago and have always been in touch, the interest then warmed again over the last year but nobody knew.
Dietmar Hamann has claimed Arne Slot may have held a secret meeting with Florian Wirtz
Dietmar Hamann has claimed Arne Slot may have held a secret meeting with Florian Wirtz (Image: 2023 DeFodi Images)
“Bayern Munich were very vocal about wanting him so everyone expected him to go there, but from what I’ve heard, he met Arne Slot who showed him around the training ground and that's when he made his mind up.
“If there were any doubts for him, meeting all the staff put that to rest and I think he has made a fantastic choice. He won the league and cup in Germany and did so without needing to sign for Bayern.
“Liverpool have got a fantastic player, a skillful player that makes other players better. He has a fantastic understanding with Jeremie Frimpong which is another bonus and what I like about him is that he got kicked around quite a bit in Germany but he looks after himself.”
Wirtz’s big price tag will of course bring its own pressure, especially as he joins a side looking to go even further after landing a 20th league title. Hamann though thinks that pressure will make no difference.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Fanatics Official Sports Apparel — Liverpool
“I don’t think Florian Wirtz will be fazed because there have been rumours over his future for the last 12 months and it didn’t impact his performances once.
“He is a fantastic player and all that uncertainty is gone now, it probably wasn’t easy for a while but he will love it at Liverpool.
“He doesn’t shirk a challenge and doesn’t mind getting physical. That’s why I think he is suited to the English game. In the past we have seen technical players struggle because of the physical side, but I don’t see that danger here.
“He is a brilliant footballer and is lethal going forwards, he will be the best player in the team and he could be the catalyst for Liverpool to dominate the Premier League for years to come.
“The fans will love him and these are exciting times, I can’t wait to see him wear the red shirt.”