Journalist Reveals that Liverpool Have Made a Move for Leverkusen Playmaker | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Interest in Florian Wirtz Signals Next Phase of Slot’s Evolution

Contact Made as Wirtz Watch Intensifies

Liverpool have taken a significant early step in the pursuit of one of Europe’s most gifted playmakers. As reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic, “Liverpool have made contact with the representatives of Florian Wirtz to express an interest in signing him if he leaves Bayer Leverkusen and is keen on moving to England.”

It’s a tentative move rather than an aggressive lunge — yet that’s often the Liverpool way. Controlled, discreet, prepared. The Premier League champions know the odds aren’t stacked in their favour, but they also know that players of Wirtz’s calibre don’t come around often.

The 22-year-old was a standout performer as Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen stunned German football last season, securing their first-ever Bundesliga title and remaining undefeated domestically. With 11 goals and 12 assists in the 2023–24 league campaign, Wirtz was crowned Bundesliga Player of the Season. He has followed that up with 10 goals and 12 assists in 2024–25 — numbers that underscore his class, consistency and upward trajectory.

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Slot’s Champions Plotting Future Around Potential Superstars

Arne Slot’s arrival has brought renewed energy to Anfield, and his immediate success — guiding Liverpool to the title in his debut season — has only emboldened plans for the future. Wirtz represents that future. The kind of player who shapes not just matches, but seasons.

He isn’t just admired at Liverpool; he’s respected. Admiration for Wirtz has been long-standing at the club, and now the Reds have made their intentions known. Should he become open to a Premier League move, Liverpool are ready to act.

Still, the path isn’t clear. Bayern Munich remain strong suitors, and Manchester City are circling. Fernando Carro, Leverkusen’s CEO, said in April that the playmaker had a “very high chance” of staying in Germany. But football moves quickly. Circumstances shift. And Liverpool have positioned themselves wisely.

Fit, Flair and the Next Phase at Anfield

Wirtz is more than a flair player. He’s intelligent, tactically versatile, and fearless in tight spaces. Under Slot, his role would be pivotal — floating between lines, linking with the front three, pressing with intent, and carving out opportunities. He fits the new Liverpool model: technically gifted, mentally resilient, and tactically aware.

Contracted until 2027, any deal would be complex. It’s still unclear whether Wirtz wants to leave Germany or move now. But Liverpool’s proactive contact suggests a club that’s not waiting to be invited into the conversation — they’re initiating it.

Photo: IMAGO

Long-Term Vision With Champions’ Confidence

What Liverpool have is leverage: a stable project, a charismatic new manager, a Premier League winners’ medal already under Slot, and a reputation for developing talent within a highly competitive environment.

They may not be favourites — not yet — but they are in the room. And that in itself marks a shift from watching from afar to acting with purpose. If Wirtz moves, Liverpool are poised. If he doesn’t, they’ll still be ready the moment he does.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This is exactly the type of ambition Liverpool fans want to see. Florian Wirtz is special, not just in terms of output, but the way he interprets the game. His movement, awareness and creativity would light up Anfield. Under Slot, you feel he could become one of Europe’s finest.

But fans are also realists. With Wirtz under contract until 2027 and Leverkusen in a strong position, we know this won’t come cheap. And that’s before you factor in Bayern and City, both more than capable of putting money on the table.

That said, there’s something appealing about Liverpool doing their homework early. We’ve seen this before: Fabinho, Diaz, Mac Allister – deals done before the circus begins. If Wirtz gives any sign he wants England, Liverpool being at the table already could be vital.

Do we need Wirtz? Maybe not as urgently as a striker or defensive cover. But do we want him? Absolutely. And in this current Slot system, with fluid movement, rotations and high tempo, Wirtz feels like a perfect fit. Fingers crossed this is more than just interest.