Liverpool receive Florian Wirtz sale verdict as struggles receive fresh attention

Updated: 15 Sept 2026 16:15 BST | 4 min read

Matthew Judge | Editor

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Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant insists his old club will be in no rush to sell Florian Wirtz - even if he continues to struggle this season.

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Wirtz joined the Reds from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen for a fee rising to €135million (£116m) with add-ons last summer.

There was plenty of fanfare upon his arrival in England, having developed a reputation as one of the best young players in the world in Germany.

STATS

Florian Wirtz

AM (C), M (CL)

Liverpool

Florian Wirtz

AM (C), M (CL)

Liverpool

49

Games
7

Goals
8

Assists

However, while the 23-year-old posted a healthy return of seven goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season, more was expected from the attacking midfielder.

And Wirtz has only managed to conjure up one assist so far this season, with the Merseysiders having drawn three of their opening six games in 2026-27.

As Wirtz looks to improve his numbers in a Liverpool shirt, the Germany star has received the backing of one of the club’s former players.

Pennant - who represented Liverpool between 2006 and 2009, making 81 appearances - is adamant Wirtz will “come good” this season.

In an interview with NetBet Casino via GOAL, Pennant said: “It's a big season for Wirtz. Obviously you give him the benefit of the doubt, of coming into a new league, getting used to a new team.

“We've seen players in the past take a season-and-a-half really to find their feet and click into gear. So it is a big season. A new manager's come in so now he's got a new style of play. So is that going to be a setback or not? But I think there'll be a lot of eyes on Wirtz this season.

“He's a good player regardless of what's been going on and his fee. I think he can get better but if he doesn't perform like he did at Leverkusen… I don't think they'll be so quick to sell him because you need those kind of players in your squad, in your team and the bigger the squad depth you've got then you'll only benefit. I'm sure he will come good.”

Merson says Wirtz signing is 'not working' for Liverpool

One man who is concerned over the form of Wirtz, however, is Paul Merson, despite the Arsenal legend describing him as “a special player”.

Writing in his Sky Sports column, Merson said: “I don't know how long they (Liverpool) can wait on Florian Wirtz.

STATS

Florian Wirtz

AM (C), M (CL)

Liverpool

Florian Wirtz

AM (C), M (CL)

Liverpool

5

Games
0

Goals
1

Assists

“I'm a big fan of him, I think he's a special player. But it isn't working; it just isn't working. I don't know how long they can wait.”

Wirtz and Liverpool are looking to return to winning ways when they entertain Tottenham Hotspur in the third round of the Carabao Cup today.

Andoni Iraola’s side were held to a 0-0 draw by Fulham at Anfield on Saturday, with the visitors registering more shots on target (4) than the hosts (3).