As Arne Slot prepares for his debut season at Anfield, Liverpool stand at a crossroads. The post-Klopp transition demands a statement signing – a player who can both honor the past and define the future. In Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, the Reds may have found their perfect catalyst. But with a potential €100 million price tag, this transfer represents far more than just another big-money purchase – it could shape Liverpool’s identity for years to come.
The Creative Void at Anfield
Liverpool’s midfield rebuild last summer addressed many issues, but one critical gap remained – the lack of a true creative playmaker. While Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai brought energy and control, neither possesses the visionary passing and dribbling flair that defined Philippe Coutinho’s peak years at Anfield. The numbers tell a sobering story:
- Liverpool created just 10.7 chances per game last season (compared to Man City’s 13.2)
- Only 42% of their attacks came through central areas (heavily reliant on wide play)
- Their midfield contributed just 18 league assists combined (Wirtz had 11 alone)
Wirtz’s Bundesliga-leading 18 assists last season showcase precisely what Liverpool have been missing – that rare ability to unlock packed defenses with a moment of genius. His 3.2 key passes per 90 minutes would have topped Liverpool’s charts by some distance (Salah led with 2.1).
Why Wirtz Fits Slot’s Philosophy Perfectly
Arne Slot’s footballing philosophy demands intelligent, technically gifted players who can execute quick transitions and break defensive lines. Wirtz embodies these qualities:
- Press Resistance: Completes 87% of passes under pressure
- Positional Versatility: Thrives as 10, false 9, or right-sided playmaker
- Decision Making: Creates 2.3 big chances per 90 (95th percentile in Europe)
Slot’s likely 4-2-3-1 system at Liverpool could see Wirtz deployed as:
- A roaming #10 behind the main striker
- A right-sided playmaker cutting inside (Salah role)
- A deep-lying creator alongside Mac Allister
His understanding of space and timing would transform Liverpool’s attacking patterns, offering the subtlety their play sometimes lacked last season.
The Xabi Alonso Factor
Leverkusen’s stance on Wirtz remains firm – they want to keep their crown jewel. But several factors work in Liverpool’s favor:
- Alonso’s affection for Liverpool (having reportedly earlier recommended Wirtz before he himself left for Real Madrid)
- The player’s stated admiration for Premier League football
- Liverpool’s ability to offer immediate Champions League football
Sources suggest Wirtz is intrigued by the project at Anfield, seeing parallels with Leverkusen’s recent resurgence under Alonso. The chance to be the centerpiece of Slot’s new era holds undeniable appeal.
Financial Considerations and Alternatives
At €100 million, Wirtz would smash Liverpool’s transfer record. But in today’s market for a 20-year-old with his pedigree, it represents fair value:
- Comparable to Bellingham’s move to Madrid
- Cheaper than Osimhen’s €120m release clause
- More proven than Olmo (€60m but injury-prone)
FSG have shown willingness to break their usual structure for generational talents (see: Van Dijk, Alisson). With potential Salah departure funds available, this could be their next big investment.
Potential Impact
If Liverpool succeed in signing Wirtz, the ripple effects could be enormous:
- Takes creative burden off Salah (or his replacement)
- Provides the missing link between midfield and attack
- Gives Slot a tactical fulcrum to build around
- Signals Liverpool’s renewed ambition to rivals
The Verdict
While the fee is substantial, Wirtz represents precisely the caliber of talent Liverpool need to transition successfully from the Klopp era. His combination of technical quality, football intelligence and room for growth make this a gamble worth taking. In five years time, €100m might look like a bargain for a player of his potential.
As the transfer saga unfolds, one thing is clear: securing Wirtz would be more than just a signing – it would be a declaration of intent from the new Liverpool era. The question isn’t whether they can afford him, but whether they can afford to miss out.