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News
- 44 minutes ago
How Liverpool will line up with Florian Wirtz
Cameron Smith
- 20 Jun 2025 19:12 BST
- 5 min read
Analysis
Liverpool have announced the signing of Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz after beating Bayern Munich to his signature.
The Germany international had been heavily tipped to secure a lucrative move to the Allianz Arena for months, however, he informed Leverkusen - and Bayern - of his desire to join Liverpool and has now completed his move after a lengthy saga.
Current ETV
Florian Wirtz
AM (C)
Bayer 04
Florian Wirtz
AM (C)
Bayer 04
ETV Range
€104.8M - €128.1M
Liverpool have signed him for an initial fee worth a club-record €117.5 million, with the deal potentially rising to as high as €136.3m, which would be a Premier League record.
Wirtz has penned a long-term contract at Anfield and is determined to continue his upward career trajectory, which has already seen him become one of the world's best players.
The Germany star played in a number of different roles during his time in the Bundesliga, and it remains to be seen how Arne Slot will utilise his qualities at Anfield next season.
Below, FootballTransfers runs through how Wirtz could fit in at Liverpool.
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, 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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