Could Liverpool Part Ways with £116m Florian Wirtz? German Star Faces Transfer Speculation Amid Premier League Struggles
Florian Wirtz became the most expensive signing in British football history when he joined Liverpool for £116 million ($157 million) in 2025. Despite the huge investment, the 23-year-old German playmaker has yet to fully establish himself in the Premier League. Dietmar Hamann, a former Liverpool midfielder and fellow German, shared with GOAL when transfer rumors might intensify.
Wirtz’s Performance at Liverpool
Wirtz came to Liverpool after winning the Bundesliga title with Bayer Leverkusen and was expected to make an immediate impact in England. However, his first season was slow, as Liverpool struggled early in the 2025-26 campaign and never found their rhythm. He managed just seven goals and seven assists, a return below expectations for such a pricey acquisition. Questions about his contribution to the team have started to emerge.
When Could Liverpool Consider Offers?
Though Liverpool put a lot of faith and money into Wirtz, they won’t wait indefinitely for him to deliver. The club may give him only two seasons to prove he deserves a long-term future at Anfield. Hamann, speaking alongside Betinia NJ, outlined what Wirtz must achieve this season and when exit speculation might arise:
“He has to start playing well and influencing the game. At the moment, he floats on the pitch. He probably doesn’t have the respect from teammates to ease off defensively because they need to trust that when he gets the ball frequently, something will happen. But that’s not happening enough yet.”
“He’s working hard defensively, maybe too much, because he wants to help the team, but his balance is off. He’s meant to set up and score goals, not win back the ball.”
“There were only a few games last season where he showed this influence, which isn’t sufficient. The Premier League’s physical nature means some players take time to adapt. Some never do. I thought he was too good to fail but after Christmas last season, doubts grew.”
“If he doesn’t improve in the next three or four weeks, by the international break there will be plenty of talk about whether Liverpool should have bought him and maybe he’ll consider if this league suits him.”
“For a player of his price and reputation, something will have to change, maybe even in January.”
Debate Over Wirtz’s Best Position
There’s ongoing discussion about whether Wirtz thrives better as a central playmaker (No.10) or as a wide forward drifting inside from the left. Hamann weighed in on this issue, emphasizing the need for decisive action:
“Everyone says he looks great in training, but at some point last year, someone should have told him, ‘Either step up now or we reassess after the World Cup.’ They can’t wait forever.”
“He was bought to be the main man. If the No.10 isn’t creating chances or scoring, then others must get opportunities, especially with new players like Bradley Barcola arriving. It’s a tough situation.”
Looking Ahead: Contract and Season Prospects
Wirtz is signed with Liverpool until 2030, but he needs to improve quickly to justify those terms. Under new manager Andoni Iraola, Liverpool started the 2026-27 season with two draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, earning just two points from their first two matches. Their next challenge comes on Friday against newly promoted Ipswich Town.
- Match: Ipswich Town vs Liverpool
- Date: 4 September 2026
- Time: 21:00
