Image for “I could see…” – Massive Liverpool exit claim emerges regarding “world-class” player
Image for “I could see…” – Massive Liverpool exit claim emerges regarding “world-class” player
Florian Wirtz could make a return to Germany as his disappointing spell at Liverpool continues, according to a big claim from former scout Bryan King.
The 23-year-old produced a poor performance at home to Manchester City last weekend, leading to plenty of criticism from many, including Jamie Carragher, who said:
“I’m sorry to say this, Florian Wirtz, it’s not working and it hasn’t worked so far. Ryan Gravenberch should not be sitting on the bench and Florian Wirtz playing for Liverpool.
“I struggle to think of one game where he’s won Liverpool the game, he’s been the man if you like,” the former Liverpool defender said. “He was bought in to be a star of the Premier League.
“I felt he could be the Kevin De Bruyne that City had, that I think at times got Man City over the line with Liverpool in league title runs. “But I think you could make a case for there being 10 or 12 players in Liverpool’s Premier League era in that position who have done more than Florian Wirtz.”
Speaking to Football Insider, King said he “could see” a scenario where Wirtz departs Liverpool, making a return to his homeland in the process:
“I know for a fact that sources were telling me some time ago they had the chance to sign the boy, Cherki, who’s at Man City. But they didn’t fancy Cherki. And then they went and paid three times the amount of what Cherki costs to bring in Wirtz.
“Now, as good a player as he might be, he certainly ain’t shown anything like what he was performing in Germany in the first six or seven matches he’s played for Liverpool this season.
“I mean, when you look at him and Cherki and Haaland for Man City, and you think that Wirtz cost more money than them two put together. You know what I mean? So, to be honest, I could see him going back to Germany. Because it’s an awful lot of money to pay for him.”
Is it time for Liverpool to sell Florian Wirtz?
Pressure has really cranked up on Wirtz in recent weeks, and it’s starting to wear thin because he’s made a poor start to his second season at Liverpool.
The German needs to start affecting games more, in terms of goals and assists, but also in his all-round influence, in order to justify his £116m transfer fee.
It is too soon for Liverpool to sell him in January, though, considering he is a two-time Bundesliga Player of the Year, as well as being hailed by Steven Gerrard:
“In terms of this kid’s technical level, it’s world class. He’s got the world at his feet. He’s so exciting to watch. In tight little areas his first touch is immaculate. His awareness of what’s around him is superb, he’s always looking to create goals, he’s always trying to get on the scoresheet as well.”
Wirtz simply must improve hugely this season if he is to make the grade at Liverpool, however, or they may have a decision to make when the campaign reaches its conclusion.