Liverpool boss Arne Slot is considering using Federico Chiesa and Florian Wirtz as a false nine if the Reds are unable to sign a striker before the transfer window closes
12:40, 15 Jul 2025
Florian Wirtz
Florian Wirtz could be set for a positional change at Liverpool(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Florian Wirtz could be set for a positional shift if Liverpool fail to land a new striker this summer.
The 22-year-old German, typically deployed as an attacking midfielder, is being considered by Reds boss Arne Slot as a potential false nine option heading into the new season. Liverpool have already splashed £200million this summer on the likes of Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Giorgi Mamardashvili, but their shopping spree doesn't look over yet.
A new centre forward is their latest priority, particularly with Darwin Nunez expected to leave the club this summer. Liverpool want £60m for the Uruguayan, but may be tempted to bring the price down if it will help get a deal done in order to fund a move for his replacement.
Hugo Ekitike remains high on the Reds' target list, though Newcastle are currently frontrunners to land the Frenchman after opening talks with Eintracht Frankfurt over what would be a club-record £65m transfer.
Despite speculation, the Magpies' interest in Ekitike is not thought to be tied to any intent to sell Alexander Isak – who is Liverpool's No. 1 choice to lead the line.
Names like Benjamin Sesko and Jean-Philippe Mateta have been linked with moves to Anfield, but it's increasingly possible that Liverpool will begin the season without a traditional striker.
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True to their philosophy under FSG, the club won't bring in a new forward simply for the sake of it. Instead, they're considering temporary alternatives such as Wirtz or Federico Chiesa to lead the line.
Chiesa has previously operated as a false nine for both Juventus and Italy, though with mixed results. His varied technical wheelhouse makes him a viable short-term answer and he's also demonstrated an ability to find the net for Liverpool, albeit in limited appearances.
Federico Chiesa smiling
Federico Chiesa could be deployed in a more central role moving forward(Image: Getty Images)
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Wirtz is naturally a No. 10, and that's the role Liverpool envision for the £116m star in the long run. Still, with 34 goals in his final two seasons at Bayer Leverkusen, there are those who believe he could be developed into a false nine forward skin to Roberto Firmino.
It's not his favoured position, nor is it the preferred role for him in the eyes of Slot – who was clear about his tactical intentions for Wirtz when the player joined. While Wirtz might be pushed up the pitch if required, the plan remains tois still to use him deeper.
For now, Chiesa appears the likeliest temporary fix. And after making only four starts across all competitions last season, the ex-Fiorentina man may be eager to switch roles in a bid for more minutes. Wirtz, on the other hand, is expected to be central to Liverpool's evolving attacking approach, no matter what position he's asked to play.