Florian Wirtz has been identified as a prime target for Liverpool, and Philipp Lahm, the former Germany and Bayern Munich captain, believes the 22-year-old would thrive under Arne Slot's management.
Wirtz, an attacking midfielder for Bayer Leverkusen, has expressed his desire to join the Reds. He has already turned down offers from Manchester City and Bayern Munich. One former Leverkusen chief claims he "knows" how transfer talks are progressing.
Negotiations between Liverpool and Leverkusen are ongoing, with the Reds' initial offer rejected in favour of a higher asking price of around $171 million. Wirtz's impressive form for Germany, including a goal in the team's 2-1 UEFA Nations League semifinal loss to Portugal, has only strengthened his case for a move to Anfield.
According to Lahm, Wirtz possesses exceptional qualities that would make him an excellent fit for Liverpool's playing style. "Wirtz has an outstanding first touch and can change speed so easily," he said.
"Wirtz doesn't just want to be involved in the attacking play, he wants to be the decisive part of it. He is more straightforward and clear-minded. He waits, he picks his moments, and can alter the speed of a game with one touch or pass.
"That's why he seems ideal for Liverpool. The system of play there has pace, vertical direction and a clear allocation of roles within the team that should suit him really well."
Wirtz scored for Germany in midweek
Wirtz scored for Germany in midweek (Image: Getty Images)
Wirtz and Bayern's prodigy Jamal Musiala, who once donned the England under-21 shirt before switching allegiances, have formed a dynamic duo for Germany's national side.
However, Lahm has shed light on why Wirtz hasn't followed Musiala to the Bavarian giants, stating: "Of course, I would have liked to see Wirtz in the Bayern jersey, but I can understand him moving elsewhere. For one thing, Arne Slot wants to develop a position with him, not just fill it.
"Secondly, it's not easy to integrate Wirtz into the same team as Musiala. Both want to occupy the middle of the pitch. Both want the ball and need space.
"What I particularly like is that Wirtz and Musiala are team players. They connect with all their teammates on the pitch. They run a lot and help in defence. These are the qualities they share."
In an interview with The Athletic, Lahm also highlighted where Wirtz could enhance his game and how he must adjust to the demands of English soccer.
"In my opinion, Wirtz is better (than Musiala) at allowing situations to develop," he said. "However, he needs to become more physically durable.
"Against Atletico Madrid this season or Atalanta in the 2024 Europa League final, he learnt what it was to have an opponent chasing him every second. He didn't like man-to-man defence, but being robust is a prerequisite in the Premier League and Champions League.
"Wirtz also has to learn how to deal with pressure, which will be much more intense at Liverpool than it ever was in Leverkusen."