Florian Wirtz has angrily responded to claims over his proposed British transfer record switch from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool this summer
10:26, 04 Jun 2025
Florian Wirtz
Florian Wirtz has spoken out(Image: Getty Images)
Florian Wirtz has blasted rumours that he's got his eyes on the coveted No. 10 shirt at Liverpool - yet the Bayer Leverkusen sensation has let slip a massive hint about a record-breaking transfer to Anfield.
The Reds are causing waves this transfer window, with a determination to snap up the midfield maestro - and his German club is said to be playing hardball for a cool €150million (£127m). Liverpool have had two offers knocked back, but as negotiations carry on, Wirtz seems keen on making the switch to the Premier League titans.
Earlier in the week, gossip spread that Wirtz was demanding the legendary No. 10 jersey, currently sported by Argentina's World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister at Liverpool. Having worn the number at Bayer Leverkusen for two seasons, whispers suggested the golden boy of German football wanted the same deal at Anfield.
But the 22-year-old has quashed these claim with a fiery rebuttal. Taking to Instagram, Wirtz posted: "Who says I want the 10? I respect players. Don't believe everything what's written," adding a clown emoji, seemingly mocking the speculation, reports the Mirror.
Still, his statement hints that transfer talks might soon be resolved and that he will be joining the most successful club in England. Any claim Wirtz might have made on the shirt could've stirred the pot, especially with Mac Allister, who bagged the No. 10 when he signed for Liverpool in 2023.
Alexis Mac Allister played a key role in winning Liverpool their 20th league title
Alexis Mac Allister, who wears the number 10 shirt at Anfield, played a key role in winning Liverpool their 20th league title(Image: Getty Images)
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In previous remarks, Mac Allister recognised the significance of his shirt number, stating: "I know how important the No 10 is in football. I had the possibility to take the No 8 as well, which is a big number for this club because of [Steven] Gerrard, of course.
"But I decided for No 10 because I used it a lot of times, in Argentina, in Brighton under-23s. It's a number I really like and that's why I chose it."
The future shirt number for Wirtz at Liverpool is still up in the air, with his much-anticipated transfer to Merseyside yet to be finalised. The clubs are still hammering out the details, with Bayer Leverkusen holding out for what would be a British record fee.
Liverpool are said to have put forward a bid of approximately £105m and later £109m. Wirtz made clear he was eager to join the Reds, despite interest from Manchester City and Bayern Munich.
Previous reports hinted Wirtz was swaying towards Liverpool after talking with manager Arne Slot about his role at the Premier League champions. Bild reported he received no guarantees from Bayern Munich about his playing position, which was 'not finally resolved'.
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Bayern were reportedly set to give priority to Jamal Musiala, who has recently renewed his contract, over Wirtz. This left Wirtz contemplating a choice between Liverpool and Manchester City.
In the initial talks, both clubs are said to have assured Wirtz of 'a central role in attack', before he eventually chose Liverpool. With discussions reportedly progressing behind the scenes, a conclusion could be on the horizon.