Latest Liverpool transfer news and gossip as Florian Wirtz could be denied a dream shirt number if he moves to Anfield from Bayer Leverkusen
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Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen
Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen(Image: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Liverpool could be on the verge of making one of the most notable transfers in the Premier League this summer. Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz has emerged as a target for the Reds and could move to Anfield.
Bayern Munich were considered the favourites to sign the 22-year-old, while Manchester City have also expressed an interest in recent months. Leverkusen are reported to value Wirtz at a fee worth around £125million, and Liverpool have stepped up their interest over the last few days.
The ECHO have reported that Liverpool have opened talks with Leverkusen about the signing of Wirtz, and are hopeful of agreeing a deal to sign the Germany international. This update came after the Reds emerged as the new favourites to sign Wirtz, leapfrogging Bayern Munich and Man City in the process.
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If Wirtz does seal this high-profile move, he would bring a fresh dynamic to Arne Slot's title-winning team - although it's unlikely he'll do so wearing his preferred squad number.
That's because Alexis Mac Allister currently sports the No.10 for the Reds, and the Argentine international is unlikely to be leaving anytime soon after playing a key role in helping Liverpool win the Premier League title, reports the Mirror.
Wirtz currently wears the No.10 for Leverkusen, but might choose to wear No. 27: the same number he was given when he first broke into Leverkusen's senior team before switching to 10 two seasons ago and is currently available to new signings at Liverpool.
Darwin Nunez was the last player to wear the No.27 for Liverpool, after he was handed the number following the departure of Divock Origi in 2022.
Nunez was given the No.9 a year later, meaning Wirtz's former Leverkusen squad number is available at Anfield.