Florian Wirtz says Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso “was very happy” to hear that he decided to join Liverpool.
Alonso was Wirtz’s coach at Leverkusen for two and a half years but there were some suggestions that the Spaniard could bring the forward with him to the Bernabeu.
However, Wirtz revealed that Alonso was pleased that he chose the Reds, having moved to Anfield at the exact same age during his own playing career:
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“Xabi was speaking English. He was very happy that I’m coming here because he was telling me he came also at 22 [years old] to Liverpool.”
Liverpool have made a big statement
Aren Slot’s side could pay a British record fee for Wirtz if all the add-ons are activated over the next few years, and the decision to spend so much on one player has surprised many observers.
After a very quiet first summer, sporting director Richard Hughes has made some very bold decisions in the transfer market, opting to reinforce the squad while the Merseysiders are in a position of strength following their league title win.
Wirtz is one of four signings so far and a fifth could be on the way
It was confirmed on Thursday afternoon that Milos Kerkez had sealed his £40m move from Bournemouth. He joins Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Armin Pesci in making the switch to Anfield this summer.
However, the club’s recruitment drive is not expected to stop there. Following the departure of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen, the Reds are set to go back into the market for a centre-back.
Marc Guehi is believed to be the top target, but if they cannot find an agreement with Crystal Palace on the transfer fee, the Merseysiders are likely to seek alternatives. Read our article here to find out who they could buy instead.