Transfers

Florian Wirtz could make surprise transfer decision despite Liverpool making him a top target for 2025

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2025 is shaping up to be a big year for Liverpool in terms of transfers, with Florian Wirtz one of the players wanted by the Reds.

It was recently reported that Liverpool had made Wirtz their top target for 2025, with the Bayer Leverkusen superstar one of the most exciting youngsters in world football and a player who seems destined for greatness.

With Manchester City also interested in Wirtz, though, Liverpool face an uphill battle to sign the Germany international, who could end up costing as much as £125m if Leverkusen were to get their way with their talismanic attacking midfielder.

Yet Wirtz could now be about to make a surprising transfer decision that will catch Liverpool off-guard.

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Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images

Wirtz could sign contract extension to stay at Bayer Leverkusen next season

According to Kicker, Wirtz is leaning towards signing a contract extension with Leverkusen to keep him at the reigning Bundesliga champions until 2026, with the German club in a healthy financial position to award the attacker midfielder a lucrative new contract.

As per the report, though, Wirtz staying at Leverkusen could be tethered to Xabi Alonso’s future, with the former Liverpool midfielder the favourite to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid next summer having established himself as one of the best young coaches in Europe.

Indeed, Wirtz could be a dream attacking signing for the Reds, with Jamie Carragher predicting Darwin Nunez to leave Liverpool next summer, opening the door for a big-money addition to be made in 2023.

Yet with the news that Wirtz could now stay at Leverkusen, Liverpool could have to rethink their transfer strategy surrounding the Germany international, who might not make the move to the Premier League until 2026 at the latest.

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Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

What other attackers have Liverpool been linked with?

Despite having arguably the best array of attacking options in the Premier League, a new forward seems to be on the agenda for Liverpool going into 2025, with Mohamed Salah’s future still in the balance.

And away from Wirtz, the Reds have been linked with some exciting attackers, with Liverpool reported keen on Brighton & Hove Albion attacker Joao Pedro, who has been fantastic for the Seagulls since moving last season.

With Mohammed Kudus also on Liverpool’s radar, an exciting attacking signing could be on the cards in 2025, even if it means missing out on Wirtz, who looks set to remain in Germany until 2026 at the earliest.