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News
- 58 minutes ago
How Liverpool will line up with Florian Wirtz
Cameron Smith
- 26 May 2025 13:30 BST
- 5 min read
Analysis
Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz as they bid to beat Bayern Munich to his signature this summer.
The Germany international has been heavily tipped to secure a lucrative move to the Allianz Arena for months, however he has informed Leverkusen of his desire to join Liverpool and a deal is now edging closer to completion.
Current ETV
Florian Wirtz
AM (C)
Bayer 04
Florian Wirtz
AM (C)
Bayer 04
ETV Range
€104.8M - €128.1M
Wirtz has already agreed personal terms with Arne Slot’s side and the Reds have lodged an official offer in excess of €100 million for the 22-year-old.
Liverpool are locked in advanced negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen and Wirtz is now expected to join the Premier League champions ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
The Germany star has played in a number of different roles during his time in the Bundesliga and it remains to be seen how Slot will utilise his qualities at Anfield next season.
Below, FootballTransfers runs through how Wirtz could fit in at Liverpool if his proposed move to the club goes through.
How Liverpool will line up with Florian Wirtz
Alisson will face competition from Giorgi Mamardashvili next season, however the Brazilian will likely retain the number one spot whenever he is fully fit.
Conor Bradley will battle with Jeremie Frimpong for the right-back berth once the Dutchman’s arrival is confirmed, although he may lose out given the Dutchman will have required assurances over game time in order to join the club.
Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk will continue their formidable partnership at the back, while Andrew Robertson may remain at left-back. Milos Kerkez is likely to take his place if Liverpool manage to agree a deal for the Hungary international.
In midfield, Slot will face a selection headache. Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister are almost guaranteed starters in the middle of the park, while Wirtz will fight for the most advanced midfield role with Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones.
The Germany international may even be shifted onto the left wing in order for Slot to accommodate Szoboszlai or Jones in his preferred starting XI, while he could potentially be deployed in a false nine role too.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah signed a new two-year deal earlier this year and is the first name on the teamsheet in the right wing position, and Cody Gakpo will likely fill one of the other two forward spots.
However, Darwin Nunez appears almost guaranteed to leave, Luis Diaz is reportedly pushing to depart amid rumoured interest from Barcelona and Diogo Jota may be another casualty of a summer rebuild at Anfield. But, the Portugal international could be retained until they purchase a new centre forward.
Hugo Ekitike and Joao Pedro are both under consideration by the Liverpool hierarchy and either player would immediately become the club’s starting striker if they move to Anfield.
Their arrival is by no means guaranteed though, so Gakpo and Jota could feasibly share duties as Liverpool’s starting striker next year.
STATS
Florian Wirtz
AM (C)
Bayer 04
Florian Wirtz
AM (C)
Bayer 04
Liverpool starting XI with Florian Wirtz (Option 1)
GK: Alisson
RB: Jeremie Frimpong
CB: Ibrahima Konate
CB: Virgil van Dijk
LB: Andrew Robertson
CDM: Ryan Gravenberch
CM: Alexis Mac Allister
CM: Dominik Szoboszlai
RW: Mohamed Salah
ST: Cody Gakpo
LW: Florian Wirtz
Liverpool starting XI with Florian Wirtz (Option 2)
GK: Alisson
RB: Jeremie Frimpong
CB: Ibrahima Konate
CB: Virgil van Dijk
LB: Andrew Robertson
CDM: Ryan Gravenberch
CM: Alexis Mac Allister
CM: Florian Wirtz
RW: Mohamed Salah
ST: Diogo Jota
LW: Cody Gakpo
Liverpool starting XI with Florian Wirtz (Option 3)
GK: Alisson
RB: Jeremie Frimpong
CB: Ibrahima Konate
CB: Virgil van Dijk
LB: Andrew Robertson
CDM: Ryan Gravenberch
CM: Alexis Mac Allister
CM: Dominik Szoboszlai
RW: Mohamed Salah
CF: Florian Wirtz
LW: Cody Gakpo
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