RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - AUGUST 24: Steven Gerrard coach of Al Ettifaq looks on during the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Shabab and Al Ettifaq at Al-Shabab Club Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has has his say on the potential deal for Florian Wirtz
(Image: Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Steven Gerrard says he is hopeful Liverpool can strike a deal with Bayer Leverkusen for Florian Wirtz. And the Reds legend insists a summer as Premier League champions is the ideal time to improve the squad.
Liverpool have been locked in advanced talks with Leverkusen for close to a fortnight after the Germany international made clear it was Anfield he favoured a move to over Bayern Munich and Manchester City.
A fee worth up to £109m was rejected by the Bundesliga club when it was tabled last week and negotiations between Reds sporting director Richard Hughes and his Bayer counterpart Simon Rolfes continue.
READ MORE: Liverpool have already given game away over next major transfer move
Speaking to TNT Sport, legendary ex-Liverpool captain Gerrard revealed his excitement at the interest in the 22-year-old Wirtz and is keen to see his former club reach an agreement with the German side.
"Well, I think you've got to fix the roof while the sun is shining," Gerrard said. "We never had a big summer window last year, because we already had a team and a squad ready to challenge.
"But, if you want to go to the next step, it's important to keep improving, keep pushing. So [Jeremie] Frimpong is done and there's obviously a lot of rumours circling around, really good, talented players.
"So it looks like Liverpool are going to be the team to catch and I've got every confidence that they are going to get stronger next year."
Gerrard added: "Well look there's rumours, obviously, of Florian Wirtz. He is a big talent, he's done fantastic for Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen.
"There's talk that there's going to be a really big signing, he's a big talent [with a] huge future in front of him, so Liverpool is the place for him, let's hope we can make it happen."
Any deal agree for Wirtz will be a club record transfer fee and talks remain ongoing but the Mannschaft international denied claims in German media that he was demanding Alexis Mac Allister's No.10 shirt on Tuesday evening.
Wirtz, who is currently on Germany duty ahead of their UEFA Nations League semi-final with Portugal, posted on Instagram: "Who says I want the 10(?) I respect players. Don't believe everything what's written (clown emoji)."