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Liverpool are reportedly looking to strengthen their midfield options in the transfer market, with Andoni Iraola potentially seeking a new addition to compete with Florian Wirtz.
The Germany international has endured a difficult start to the campaign, registering just one assist in seven appearances across all competitions ahead of Liverpool's Champions League clash with LASK.
Carragher calls for Wirtz to be dropped
Florian-Wirtz-Liverpool
Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
Wirtz has struggled to justify his status as one of the club's biggest ever signings, with former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher calling for the attacking midfielder to be dropped following the recent defeat to Manchester City.
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Liverpool's biggest signings Fee (add ons included) Year
Alexander Isak £125m 2025
Bradley Barcola £123m 2026
Florian Wirtz £116m 2025
Virgil van Dijk £75m 2018
Hugo Ekitike £69m 2025
Alisson £67m 2018
Darwin Nunez £64m 2022
Dominik Szoboszlai £60m 2023
Jeremy Jacquet £60m 2026
Naby Keita £48m 2018
"I'm sorry to say this, Florian Wirtz, it's not working and it hasn't worked so far," Carragher said on The Gary Neville Podcast. "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.
"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."
carragher-wirtz-quote-ratings
Iraola is expected to rotate his squad against LASK, potentially offering opportunities to players who have struggled for regular minutes in recent weeks.
However, Liverpool are also looking towards the transfer market following Julian Ward's official arrival as the club's new sporting director. Ward has made strengthening the midfield one of his priorities, with Football FanCast previously revealing Liverpool's interest in Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara.
And another potential target has now emerged, with a highly rated Premier League star rejecting a lucrative contract offer as his representatives explore opportunities elsewhere.
Liverpool eyeing Scott after Bournemouth contract rejection
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Liverpool are monitoring the situation of Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, who has rejected a new contract offer that would reportedly have made him the highest-paid player in the Cherries' history.
According to a report from TEAMtalk's Graeme Bailey, the 23-year-old has turned down improved terms worth more than the club-record deal previously handed to Antoine Semenyo, believed to have been worth around £150,000 per week. Scott remains under contract at the Vitality Stadium until 2028, but Bournemouth have repeatedly failed to convince the England international to commit his long-term future to the club.
The report claims Scott's representatives are now actively conducting due diligence on potential transfer options ahead of the January window, with Liverpool among the clubs monitoring developments and Iraola particularly keen on a reunion, having labelled the youngster "amazing" during his time on the south coast.
Chelsea are also interested and remain in contact over Scott's situation, having seen an offer rejected during the summer transfer window.
Bournemouth have previously insisted their star midfielder is not for sale, but there is now a belief that they could consider offers exceeding £100m.
Scott earning England recognition amid Liverpool interest
England's Harry Kane, Marc Guehi, Alex Scott, Morgan Gibbs-White and Jarell Quansah during training
England's Harry Kane, Marc Guehi, Alex Scott, Morgan Gibbs-White and Jarell Quansah during training
Scott's reputation has grown considerably since joining Bournemouth from Bristol City in 2023, with his technical ability, energy and versatility making him an attractive option for several leading Premier League clubs.
The midfielder has developed into a senior England international, recently impressing Thomas Tuchel during the Three Lions' victory over Croatia.
"First start and what a start, what a performance," Tuchel said. "He is so smooth on the ball, his decision making is at the highest level.
"He plays with so much confidence. He is so active, so confident. The work rate off the ball.
Those qualities could make Scott an ideal addition to Liverpool's midfield, particularly with Iraola already familiar with his strengths from their time together at Bournemouth.
However, any potential deal would require a significant financial commitment, with Chelsea also capable of competing for his signature and the Cherries demanding a hefty fee even as his contract ticks towards its final 18 months.