A new report suggests Liverpool have accepted a plan that would send Florian Wirtz to Real Madrid if Xabi Alonso can turn things around in the Spanish capital.
After replacing Carlo Ancelotti in the summer, Alonso has been heavily criticised for his performance in Madrid.
Yet, he may well win the favour of the fans and the board with time.
If that does happen, it’s reported that he wants Wirtz in the summer transfer window and Liverpool are reportedly willing to make that happen even if it means accepting a €40m (£35.1m) loss.
According to a report from Spanish news outlet Defensa Central, Liverpool have accepted a plan presented by Real Madrid to sell Wirtz in the 2026 summer transfer window.
Amid Alonso’s uncertain future, the claim made by Defensa Central is that if he wins a major title and remains in charge, he could sign Wirtz. They cite his relationship with Wirtz from their shared time at Leverkusen as a big reason for why this could happen.
The report then says: “Now the only question is whether Real Madrid is willing to spend €110 million (£96.6m).”
Take this story with more than a pinch of salt
While outsiders believe Wirtz to be a Liverpool flop, they clearly are not watching enough of him.
Sure, his goal contribution output is not good enough for a player who arrived off the back of a season where he scored 16 goals and assisted 15 in 45 games for Bayer Leverkusen.
This season, he has zero goals and five assists for Liverpool.
Yet, his overall play has been quietly excellent, particularly in the last month. Wirtz is hugely responsible for Liverpool’s improved play in possession and whenever he is on the bench, his absence is noticeable.
Not only is the source of this story dubious, it would be quite irresponsible from Liverpool to give up on such a talented problem when there are so many other problems that have made Wirtz’s first season at Anfield more challenging than he would have expected.
Liverpool have a truly special player in Wirtz and even if he doesn’t go on to record 30+ goals and assists in any of his seasons at the club, he’s a lot more than just goal output.