Liverpool has had a mixed start to the season under new boss Andoni Iraola, and questions still remain about Florian Wirtz after his big-money transfer last year
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Florian Wirtz of Liverpool reacts during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Liverpool FC and Fulham at Anfield on September 12, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Doubts have been raised about Florian Wirtz at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Paul Merson has questioned how long Liverpool can “wait” for Florian Wirtz, and admitted he’s worried by the Reds’ start to the season.
Liverpool has taken just six points from its opening four games in the Premier League, with Andoni Iraola now in charge after Arne Slot’s disappointing final campaign. Although there were signs of his side returning to form after wins over Ipswich and Atletico Madrid, it has been brought crashing back down to earth after the goalless draw with Fulham.
And questions still surround their big money signings from last year, in particular Wirtz, who has recorded just one assist in his five games so far this season.
Writing in his column for Sky Sports, former Arsenal star Merson said: “I don't know how long they can wait on Florian Wirtz. I'm a big fan of him, I think he's a special player.
“But it isn't working; it just isn't working. I don't know how long they can wait.“
Merson also questioned the signing of Bradley Barcola, and suggested that the 24-year-old shouldn’t have been the club’s priority. Liverpool completed a deal that could rise to around $166 million (£123M) for the winger on the eve of the transfer deadline, having been chasing his signing for much of the summer.
“I also like Bradley Barcola, but I'm not sure if he was what they needed,” Merson said.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Bradley Barcola of Liverpool reacts during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Liverpool FC and Fulham at Anfield on September 12, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Bradley Barcola has made just three appearances for Liverpool so far(Image: Getty Images)
“If you said to me, what's Barcola's game? He's quick. Now, you play at Liverpool, you don't really have to be that quick.
“You don't have to be like the fastest man in the Premier League. You've got to have a bit more. And at the moment, I am not sure.
“He'll have his games, don't get me wrong, but I think they needed someone with more guile.”
Liverpool remains unbeaten under Iraola, although the Spaniard has only won two of his games in charge so far, and Merson wonders whether the scale of the job may have taken the former Bournemouth boss by surprise.
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“I'm worried for Liverpool at the moment, in a way, because that was a bad result on Saturday. That was a very bad result.
“I don't know if the manager is finding it a bit more difficult than he probably would after making the jump from Bournemouth to Anfield.
“No disrespect to Bournemouth but if they draw at home to Fulham 0-0, it is not a problem.
“Liverpool draw at home to Fulham, it is headline news. That is what he's got to get used to as well. He's got to let the shackles off, open it up a bit.”