Virgil van Dijk had high hopes for Liverpool this season while they were recruiting new players over the summer
Florian Wirtz has revealed the vision Virgil van Dijk had for him prior to his transfer to Liverpool last summer.
The German international arrived at Anfield for a then club record transfer fee. Liverpool wasted little time finalising their pursuit for Wirtz, agreeing a £116 million package to bring him to Merseyside.
The 22-year-old followed Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, having impressed with his 16 goals and 15 assists in all competitions last season.
The teething issues involving Wirtz and him settling into his new club have now subsided and he is wowing fans and professionals alike with his performances. But the vision Van Dijk had prior to his arrival has well and truly slipped out of view.
Virgil van Dijk’s vision for Florian Wirtz Liverpool transfer
The German admitted he signed for the Reds with the aim to ‘get better and bigger’ as a player. His talent was well-documented at the club too, and Van Dijk had high hopes for Wirtz at Liverpool.
“I had very good meetings with the manager before I joined and a few players contacted me. Virgil, Mo [Salah] as well, sent me a message. They were not begging me to come but just tried to give me a feeling about Liverpool,” Wirtz revealed.
“Virgil said he would be happy if I come, and maybe I can help the team to get even better than they were last year. These are things you like to hear and helps you to decide in the end. I am still happy that I made this decision, even when the start wasn't that easy.”
Florian Wirtz finds his form with Liverpool
Wirtz was part of the historic Xabi Alonso team that lifted Bayer Leverkusen’s first Bundesliga title in 2024. After his arrival at Anfield, followed by the likes of Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak, many naturally expected Liverpool to win the Premier League once again.
Van Dijk was clearly targeting a title defence as well as other silverware too, but his hope has fallen dramatically on its face. Liverpool were knocked out of the Carabao Cup in the fourth round and they are 14 points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal after two disappointing lots of results.
The Reds have endured such a tough season that Arne Slot has found himself shrouded in sack rumours. Wirtz has now well and truly found his feet at Liverpool but it’s too late in the season to undo the team’s previous errors.
With eight goal-scoring contributions in his last ten games in all competitions, the 22-year-old is finally in his groove and has struck up a great partnership with Ekitike. Unfortunately for the two attacking powerhouses, they will need to wait until next season to try again for the Premier League title.
Continue Reading