Liverpool is reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, a player being touted as the club’s new Philippe Coutinho. The Reds are said to be willing to pay £100 million for the German international, with some reports suggesting the deal could be worth £116 million when add-ons are included.

 

Why Wirtz is being compared to Coutinho

 

Wirtz’s playing style and creativity on the pitch have drawn comparisons to Coutinho. Both players are known for their exceptional technical skills, vision, and ability to create scoring opportunities for their teammates. Wirtz’s movement and positioning on the pitch are particularly reminiscent of Coutinho’s playing style under Jurgen Klopp.

 

What Wirtz brings to Liverpool

 

Wirtz would bring a new dimension to Liverpool’s attack, providing creativity and flair in the final third. He averages 1.16 key passes and 0.26 expected assists per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga, demonstrating his ability to pick out teammates and create scoring opportunities. Wirtz’s goal-scoring threat is also an asset, with the ability to score from both short and long range.

 

The transfer details

 

The potential transfer of Wirtz to Liverpool is a significant deal, with the player reportedly committing to a five-year contract at Anfield. While the transfer fee is substantial, Liverpool’s success in attracting Wirtz would depend on various factors, including the player’s desire to join the club and the Reds’ ability to negotiate a deal with Bayer Leverkusen ¹ ².

 

Challenges and uncertainties

 

Despite the excitement surrounding Wirtz’s potential transfer, there are challenges and uncertainties to consider. Wirtz has previously expressed his admiration for Barcelona, and it’s possible that he could still consider a move to the Spanish club in the future. Additionally, the high transfer fee and wage demands could be a barrier to the deal.

 

Impact on Liverpool’s squad

 

The signing of Wirtz would be a significant boost to Liverpool’s squad, providing creativity and flair in the final third. The player would likely play a key role in Arne Slot’s tactics, potentially starting as a number 10 or advanced 8. With Wirtz’s ability to create scoring opportunities and score goals himself, he could be the solution to Liverpool’s creative void ¹ ³.

 

Other big signings

 

Wirtz’s transfer would be one of the biggest signings in Liverpool’s history, joining a list of players signed for over £100 million ²:

– Joao Felix: £113 million

– Enzo Fernandez: £107 million

– Antoine Griezmann: £107 million

– Philippe Coutinho: £105 million

– Declan Rice: £105 million

– Jack Grealish: £100 million

– Moises Caicedo: £100 million

 

 

The potential signing of Florian Wirtz would be a major coup for Liverpool, bringing a creative and talented player to the club. While there are challenges and uncertainties to consider, the potential benefits of the transfer are significant.