Action Images via Reuters
Liverpool are expecting 'concrete offers' for playmaker Florian Wirtz in January and the stance of Andoni Iraola on the player is clear.
The 23-year-old has struggled for form since making the move to Anfield from Bayer Leverkusen on a lofty £116 million transfer last summer. Nonetheless, the German international has retained his place in the starting XI under the new Liverpool manager this season.
Wirtz is expected to be reinstalled in the line-up against AFC Bournemouth this afternoon, having been rested in midweek, as speculation over his future continues to swirl.
Liverpool brace for Florian Wirtz January interest
Florian Wirtz on the ground.
Football Insider reports that Liverpool are prepared to receive offers for Wirtz in January, despite the player having another four years left on his current deal at Anfield.
It's claimed that 'concrete offers' for the player could be in the offing with Bayern Munich named as admirers of the player, who previously excelled in the Bundesliga. Over the 2024/25 season, Wirtz registered 10 goals and 13 assists in the division.
However, Liverpool will reportedly reject any bids for Wirtz in the New Year. The midfielder is seen as central to Iraola's work on Merseyside, despite managing just one assist so far this season.
Verdict: Wirtz must send message against AFC Bournemouth
Vitality Stadium (AFC Bournemouth)
There's the feeling that the visit to the Vitality Stadium on Sunday afternoon could be a big moment for Wirtz. The midfielder was left out of the squad that defeated Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 in Carabao Cup action in midweek.
That was just a rotation decision from Iraola, but Cody Gakpo, Alexis MacAllister and Dominik Szoboszlai were all on target from the midfield in that fixture. James McConnell also impressed and, after the match, Szoboszlai tipped the 22-year-old to be given further opportunities by Iraola.
He said: “Of course, for Lewis Koumas and James McConnell, they both did a very good job. Koumas with his timings and Macca with his running ability, both of them deserved to play and I think both did it very well, and now they will make it hard for the gaffer.
“There is a lot of competition, always – I don’t even know, six midfielders maybe? Trey, Macca, Ryan, Flo, me and Wata and James McConnell."
It would be an unlikely turn of events for McConnell to oust Wirtz from the side, but Szoboszlai is right to point out the competition for places. If Wirtz can't get up to speed soon, Liverpool's stance on a January exit could waver.
Luckily, the German has Iraola's backing. Even if struggling to register goals and assists, Wirtz has played an important part in Liverpool's build-up play and unlocking defences.
Florian Wirtz WhoScored Player Ratings 2026/27:
August 23, Newcastle United v Liverpool - 6.4
August 29, Liverpool v Nottingham Forest - 7.1
September 4, Ipswich Town v Liverpool - 7
September 9, Liverpool v Atletico Madrid - 6.8
September 12, Liverpool v Fulham - 6.6
Speaking this week, the Liverpool manager admitted that he would not judge the player on statistics. He said: “He should be judged like everybody else – if he plays well or doesn’t play well, or as I always say how does the team play when you are on the pitch? I am very happy with Florian. I rate him very highly. He understands what we need from him. He’s training to help us in every aspect of the game.
“Obviously he will want to add assists or goals but he is helping us in a lot of different areas and also we could give him some rest the other day that I think he needed because he has been making a good effort in the games.”
Those words will reassure Wirtz but the player will be all too aware that he must start picking up goals and assists. After watching teammates flourish in midweek, and with fresh transfer speculation, the trip to Bournemouth is the perfect chance to send a message.