Liverpool are ramping up their efforts to get players through the door early in the summer transfer market.
Although the confetti is still being cleared from the Anfield pitch after Sunday’s Premier League trophy lift, plans are already afoot for next season.
The Reds have been quiet in the window over the past 18 months, but that looks set to change this time, with Richard Hughes already earning his corn.
The Liverpool sporting director is leading the charge to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in what would be a record deal.
Wirtz had been expected to join Bayern Munich this summer having developed into one of Germany’s best young talents at Leverkusen.
However, Wirtz has decided he wants Liverpool and Liverpool only. As the Reds now negotiate a fee with their Bundesliga counterparts, pundits are already looking ahead to what the No. 10 could offer Arne Slot’s team.
Steve McManaman excited over ‘superstar’ Florian Wirtz
Liverpool are looking to reshape their forward line slightly this summer, with a central attacker the main priority.
Given the size of his expected transfer fee, it is very possible that Liverpool have decided to try Wirtz in the No. 9 role rather than go for a more orthodox striker.
There is also the possibility of the German playing a little deeper if needs be, though. Either way, according to former Reds winger Steve McManaman, Liverpool will be getting themselves a ‘superstar in the making’ in Wirtz.
“There’s talk about Florian Wirtz, if they bring him in I think it’ll set everywhere alight because he is a superstar in the making,” McManaman told Stadium Astro on Sunday. “It’s very exciting times for anyone who’s associated with Liverpool Football Club.”
“He normally plays as number ten so someone will have to leave from the top line, I think that goes without saying,” he said, when asked what role he envisages Wirtz playing. “Maybe even two because he’s going to cost a lot of money.”
Asked whether Liverpool could also sign a centre-forward alongside the Leverkusen man, McManaman said he didn’t believe that would be the case.
“No, they don’t need one,” he answered. “Liverpool don’t have a problem scoring goals or creating chances. They’ve got two centre-forwards at the moment in Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota. But if they bring in Florian Wirtz someone will have to make way. One, maybe two. But I don’t think they need a centre-forward at all if they bring in someone like Wirtz. That’s still a big if, it’s going to take a lot to bring him to Anfield.”
Liverpool could still sign a striker
Although McManaman does not think so, the signs do point towards Liverpool still being active in the market for a new striker.
After Newcastle secured Champions League qualification on Sunday, it looks unlikely to be Alexander Isak, who had previously been a top target.
However, Liverpool have the money to sign both Wirtz and Isak, so funding another big addition will not be a problem.
In that regard, Hugo Ekitike has been named as an early alternative to Isak, with Liverpool reportedly now prioritising a move for the Frenchman.
It could well be that Wirtz is the man Slot has chosen to lead his line next season, but it also would not be a surprise to see another player arrive to play in front of the potential superstar.
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