Florian Wirtz has struggled since his £116 million move to Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen
Bruna Reis
14:49, 29 Nov 2025
Vinicius Junior
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Liverpool have been urged to consider swapping Florian Wirtz for Real Madrid's Vinícius Junior(Image: Getty Images)
Ex-Spain and Barcelona star Gaizka Mendieta has suggested that Liverpool should consider swapping Florian Wirtz for Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, arguing that the Brazilian would excel at Anfield. Wirtz has had a rocky start at Liverpool after his £116 million summer move from Bayer Leverkusen, failing to score or assist in 11 Premier League matches.
The 23-year-old has been sidelined for the last two games due to a muscle injury but could be back in Arne Slot's squad for Sunday's Premier League showdown with West Ham. However, it's unclear whether he'll make the starting line-up given the ongoing criticism of his performances.
Mendieta has floated the idea that Real manager Xabi Alonso could help Wirtz get his career back on track, considering their past working relationship at Leverkusen. Wirtz spent five years at Leverkusen, three of which were under the Spanish boss.
Florian Wirtz and Xabi Alonso
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Florian Wirtz played under Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen before his move to Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
"Florian Wirtz and Vinicius Junior in a swap deal. Why not? Honestly, why not? ," Mendieta mused during an interview with Casinostugan. "I see more obviously of Florian Wirtz at Real Madrid than Vinicius Junior at Liverpool right now, but I think a swap deal could suit them.
"We've seen it before, when a coach has a soft spot for a player, and they know they can get the best out of him, they want to work with that player again. He was a leader at Leverkusen and although there are a lot of what ifs, we've seen it before.
"The question at Real Madrid would be what position he would play and who he would replace. They already have a problem with the players that they have: Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde, so I think it's crowded, especially in midfield."
Mendieta went on: "But we've seen how players and coaches have crossed paths again in the future, so who knows. Vinicius Junior could be a big success in the Premier League with the right support.
"When I mean support, I mean a club having faith in him, obviously he's a fantastic player. The Premier League has a physical side, he's obviously a strong player.
"I could see him having success. I would love to see Vinicius Junior in the Premier League. I think it would be a fantastic challenge for himself as a player."
Vini Junior's destiny has become one of the hottest topics of conversation at Real Madrid in recent months.
The Athletic have claimed that talks over a new contract have reached an impasse, with the 'picture becoming complicated. '.
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Reports suggest his relationship with Alonso has remained 'fractured', which could sway his thinking. The Brazilian is contracted until the summer of 2027.