Florian Wirtz’s transfer to Liverpool has been one of the most talked-about topics in the footballing world over the last few weeks.
At first, it felt certain that Wirtz would be making the switch to Bayern Munich, but instead, he chose against joining the Bundesliga giants and believed his future would be better kept in the hands of Arne Slot.
Liverpool have already had two bids rejected for the attacking midfielder, but with everything else aside from the fee agreed upon, it’s hard to see how the deal could end up falling through.
Indeed, the step-up from the Bundesliga to the Premier League is massive, but the fact that he’s contributed to over 30 goals this season makes it feel like Wirtz is ready to take that leap.
Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images
Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images
That is, even if Micah Richards has his doubts about the playmaker.
Micah Richards doesn’t know if Florian Wirtz will be able to make the physical step-up to the Premier League
With a fee worth around £120million slapped onto his head, there’s going to be a lot of expectation on the 22-year-old to perform from the get-go.
Indeed, his contributions in the Bundesliga have set him apart from other number 10s, with some even suggesting that the young German could be the best in the world.
However, while speaking on The Rest is Football Podcast, Micah Richards gave his verdict on Wirtz’s transfer to Anfield.
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“Yeah, he’s worth it. Obviously, he’s got to do it in a league which is more physical. That is my only doubt. Tactically, he’s got it, technically, he’s got it,” he said.
“The way he manipulates the ball… he was a superstar from a young age, so he can deal with pressure. It’s just, where does he fit into the system? Is he going to play him in [Dominik] Szoboszlai’s role, or is he going to play him out on the left-hand side?
“Because he can do both. And honestly, for £120 million, he’s worth every single penny.”
What Florian Wirtz’s transfer would mean for Liverpool
Aside from Mohamed Salah, one main thing that Liverpool lacked in the 2024-25 season was that they didn’t have a regular goal scorer.
Indeed, Wirtz is more of a number 10 than an out-and-out striker, but the fact that he’s bagged 16 goals and has played as a striker on occasion means that he could relieve some pressure from the shoulders of Salah.
The transfer of the German would also be a major statement of intent from Slot to show that Liverpool are looking to retain the title next season rather than just looking to coast.
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Of course, the Champions League will also play a major part in the Dutchman’s thinking this season and having players such as Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai who are on a similar level to one another being able to rotate makes the move make an awful lot of sense.
Only time will tell what the future holds, but for now, it’s anyone’s guess how Liverpool’s team could end up looking next season.