Florian Wirtz during a team Germany training session.
Florian Wirtz during a team Germany training session.(Image: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Liverpool transfer target Florian Wirtz is set to play for Germany against Portugal on Wednesday night, confirmed his national team manager Julian Nagelsmann. Such a decision may prompt nervousness in both the Reds' and Bayer Leverkusen's camps as they continue to hash out the details of a potential record-breaking transfer.
On the Wirtz front, the latest is that Leverkusen chiefs were left unsatisfied by the €130m (£109m) offer tabled by Liverpool last Friday as they hold out for €150m (£126m). Still, there remains hope that a deal can be struck to please all involved, including the midfielder who wants the Premier League move.
Meanwhile he is with the German national team preparing for a UEFA Nations League semi-final showdown with Portugal. If they progress and win the final then FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification is secured.
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So, with Wirtz a key player for his country, Nagelsmann has announced at his pre-match press conference: "Flo will play!
"I don't sense any fear of injury or anything with him. He's a competitor who wants to play and be successful with us."
Asked if the transfer saga will have an impact mentally, the German boss replied: "I didn't notice that the situation was bothering him. I think it's perfectly normal for every player, coach, whatever, to have one or two thoughts when a transfer is imminent. I think that's part of it."
Understandably, Germany need to call upon their star talent to help them navigate a competition that holds a significant reward.
But as outlined by German publication BILD, this situation is going to be deemed 'high risk' by Liverpool and Leverkusen chiefs alike.
With their report describing Portuguese defenders as "feared in the past for their unpretentious style of play," both share the worry he picks up an injury in case it is major enough to cause an entire cancellation of the deal. If only minor, still the Reds might seek to drive down the price and move further apart from Leverkusen and their high valuation.
It is explained that in the past Leverkusen have been in close contact with the German football federation (DFB) around transfers to avoid such problems.
Kai Havertz, as one example, was removed from the national team camp so that he could remain healthy to complete his £72m exit to Chelsea in 2020, which remains the German club's most lucrative sale.
It is reported here that Leverkusen have not been in contact with the DFB at all about Wirtz's current scenario as they are relaxed but still wary.