Arne Slot has already made his flawless debut for Liverpool known.
Florian Wirtz would be an ideal transfer for Arne Slot and Liverpool. The young German was outstanding for Bayer Leverkusen during their unbeaten Bundesliga season, scoring 18 goals and providing 20 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions.
However, Liverpool’s plans may be hindered by interest from Real Madrid, the reigning European champions. According to the Spanish outlet Marca, there is already an agreement for Wirtz to join the Spanish giants in 2025, with the deal potentially worth up to €150 million (£127m).
Leverkusen also pose a challenge for Liverpool, as they are determined to keep Wirtz. “He will stay,” Leverkusen chief Simon Rolfes told Sky Sports last month. “His father and agent have confirmed it. He has a contract here and he’s very happy. This is the right place for him to develop as a player and person. His future is bright, and he is an excellent player with a strong will to win and work hard. He combines the talent of a number 10 with the work rate of a defensive player, producing special moments.”
Under Xabi Alonso, Wirtz has significantly improved and is expected to play a crucial role in Germany’s European Championship campaign. His versatility was evident last season, with Slot having the perfect role for him at Liverpool if the transfer were to happen. At Feyenoord, the Dutch coach used a 4-2-3-1 formation in possession and a 4-4-2 when pressing, making Wirtz ideal for the attacking midfield and second striker role. The 21-year-old’s passing range and ability to bypass defenders make him well-suited for Slot’s demands.
Under Jurgen Klopp, players like Harvey Elliot, Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch have not shown they can replicate the performances of Martin Odegaard or Kevin De Bruyne at Arsenal and Manchester City, respectively. Like Wirtz, Slot is a versatile manager, often using a 4-3-3 formation depending on the game scenario.
In one of Leverkusen’s biggest games of the season, a 3-0 win over Bayern Munich, Wirtz excelled at the tip of the attack, demonstrating his ability to fill various roles in Slot’s Liverpool.