Former Bayer Leverkusen chief Tim Steidten has lifted the lid on Florian Wirtz’s ambitious goals following his move to Liverpool.
Wirtz of course made the move to Anfield earlier this summer in a club record transfer potentially worth up to $156 million, which could also go on to break the Premier League record. Even before he has made his first appearance for the Reds, his move is already being touted as the biggest deal of the transfer window.
The 22-year-old missed out on making his debut for his new club on Sunday, despite fellow new signings Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Giorgi Mamardashvili all getting their first run-outs against Preston. Liverpool is taking no chances over its players’ fitness so far after what has been a difficult couple of weeks for the club.
Wirtz though should make his first appearance for Liverpool soon, with the club now set to head out on tour to Asia, with games against AC Milan and Yokohama F Marinos to come in Hong Kong and Japan.
Fans will have high hopes for the German international given the reputation he built up at Leverkusen, and the fact Liverpool managed to beat the likes of Bayern Munich and Manchester City to his signature.
And Steidten, who can take credit for Wirtz’s signing at Leverkusen after serving as the club’s head of scouting, has given the Reds even more reason to be excited.
Florian Wirtz is yet to make his first appearance for Liverpool
Florian Wirtz is yet to make his first appearance for Liverpool (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
“Many people ask me whether he will be able to establish himself at Liverpool,” Steidten told Sky Germany. “For me, that is beyond question. My answer is always clear: yes!
“I remember our first conversation with him in Simon Rolfes’ office very well – his parents were there too.
“Simon asked him, ‘Where do you want to go, what do you want to achieve?’ And Florian replied, ‘I want to become the best player in the world.’”
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Wirtz’s next chance to make his first appearance for Liverpool will come on July 26, when the Reds face AC Milan in Hong Kong.
From there, Arne Slot’s side heads to Japan to take on Yokohama F Marinos on July 30, before returning to Anfield for two games against Athletic Bilbao on August 4.
The 2025/26 season then begins on August 10 as the Reds face FA Cup winners Crystal Palace in the Community Shield at Wembley, before the Premier League title defense gets underway at home against Bournemouth on August 15.