Former Spain and Barcelona midfielder 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.
Following his summer move from Bayer Leverkusen, Wirtz has had a challenging start to his Liverpool career, failing to score or assist in 11 Premier League matches.
The 23 year old has been absent from the last two games due to a muscle issue but could rejoin Arne Slot's squad for Sunday's Premier League match against West Ham. However, it remains to be seen whether he will make the starting line-up given the ongoing scrutiny of his performances.
In the meantime, Mendieta has suggested that Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso could help Wirtz rejuvenate his career, given their past collaboration at Leverkusen. Wirtz spent five years there, three of which were under the Spanish manager.
"Florian Wirtz and Vinicius Junior in a swap deal. Why not? Honestly, why not? ," Mendieta proposed to 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."
Florian Wirtz
Florian Wirtz has had a tough time so far at Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)
Mendieta continued: "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."
The future of Vini Junior has dominated headlines at the Bernabéu in recent weeks. The Athletic reported that contract negotiations have ground to a halt, with the 'picture has become complicated. '.
There are suggestions his relationship with Alonso remains 'strained', which may prove decisive. The Brazilian's current deal runs until summer 2027.