Liverpool Have Now Made “the Next Mbappe” Their No.1 Target, He’s as Exciting as Florian Wirtz
Liverpool celebrated on Sunday, marking a significant moment as they finally lifted their 20th top-flight title, having clinched the Premier League crown five weeks earlier. The Reds delivered a convincing performance, thrashing Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield.
Arne Slot’s squad, perhaps understandably, have eased off somewhat in recent weeks, taking just two points from a possible twelve. Meanwhile, sporting director Richard Hughes has been working tirelessly behind the scenes, pushing forward numerous transfer deals ahead of the official window, all while the 2024/25 season is still ongoing.
With Andy Robertson’s influence beginning to wane and Trent Alexander-Arnold expected to depart, Liverpool have acted swiftly, progressing negotiations for Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong. These two could well establish themselves as key figures along the flanks at Anfield for years to come.
The standout target, however, is undoubtedly Florian Wirtz. Bayer Leverkusen have now confirmed receipt of Liverpool’s first formal offer on Monday morning, believed to be worth over €100m (£85m).
Barring any unexpected twists, FSG are expected to complete this deal. Here’s a look at how Wirtz might fit into the Liverpool setup.
How Florian Wirtz Will Fit in at Liverpool
Wirtz, though just 22 years old, has already built an impressive career in his native Germany, recording 57 goals and 65 assists across 197 senior matches for Bayer Leverkusen.
He was instrumental in Leverkusen’s Bundesliga triumph last year, guiding the side through an unbeaten and dominant campaign, while also collecting the Player of the Season award for his exceptional displays.
It is rare for a player to generate such enthusiasm among fans while displaying a relentless work rate and an acute awareness of both his teammates and opponents. His game intelligence and awareness stand out in equal measure.
According to FBref, Wirtz is among the top 7% of positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues this season for goal contributions, shot-creating actions, and progressive passes, while also ranking in the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90 minutes. His versatility makes him a strong candidate for various roles at Anfield.
What sets Wirtz apart is not just his talent but the consistency with which he delivers, marking him as a player of world-class quality. The 2022/23 season, impacted by an ACL injury, remains the sole exception, yet he has recovered from that setback remarkably.
| Florian Wirtz – Past Five League Seasons | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| 24/25 | 31 (25) | 10 | 13 |
| 23/24 | 32 (26) | 11 | 12 |
| 22/23 | 17 (11) | 1 | 6 |
| 21/22 | 24 (22) | 7 | 10 |
| 20/21 | 29 (25) | 5 | 6 |
| Data via Transfermarkt | |||
Naturally, every top playmaker thrives when they have a focal point to channel their creativity, and Wirtz is no exception. According to Fabrizio Romano, Darwin Nunez is “planning to leave” Liverpool this summer, and FSG have already pinpointed their ideal candidate to step into his role.
Liverpool Make the New Mbappe Their Top Target
Newcastle United secured a spot in next season’s Champions League after finishing fifth in the league on the final day, ensuring Alexander Isak will remain at the club, according to respected journalist David Ornstein.
Meanwhile, Liverpool seem to have identified Hugo Ekitike as the ideal alternative, with reports indicating FSG have made the Eintracht Frankfurt striker their primary target.
Anfield’s sporting director Richard Hughes will need to work hard to make the deal happen.
Why Arne Slot Wants Hugo Ekitike
Ekitike is not only attracting attention from Liverpool; The Independent report that Chelsea are also eager to make him their top target in the upcoming summer transfer window.
It’s easy to see why. Described as the “next Mbappe” by journalist Graeme Bailey, Ekitike offers a rare combination of attributes—tall, athletic, and lethal in front of goal, while also showing flair, creativity, and sharp movement in attack.
The former Paris Saint-Germain prospect has already shown a knack for making smart career choices, moving to the Bundesliga where he has thrived. Still just 22, he has had an outstanding first full season at Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring 22 goals and providing 12 assists across 48 games in all competitions.
Talent scout Jacek Kulig has suggested that Ekitike could “definitely reach world-class striker levels,” which is an exciting prospect for Liverpool fans. He could even be seen as a signing on par with Wirtz, potentially offering Liverpool a high-calibre number nine for years to come.
Analyst Ben Mattinson has gone as far as calling Ekitike “one of the best strikers out there” at present, adding that he is “ready to explode” when given the platform to shine at a top-tier Premier League club.
FBref data shows that Ekitike is ranked among the top 9% of forwards for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, and the top 4% for progressive carries per 90 minutes, highlighting his elite-level ability.
Indeed, his broad skill set has led the data-driven platform to identify Newcastle’s Alexander Isak as one of his closest statistical comparisons. If Ekitike can evolve into the all-round forward that Isak has become for the Magpies, the impact he could have on Arne Slot’s team is difficult to overstate.
While Wirtz would be an audacious addition for Liverpool this summer, Ekitike has the potential to become one of the game’s elite forwards, and his talent makes him an exciting prospect in his own right.
Although Ekitike has not yet reached that level, he possesses all the qualities of a world-class centre-forward and now needs to make the right move to realise his potential.
Where might that be? Chelsea could certainly use a striker, but Liverpool have consistently proven themselves the top destination under Slot’s leadership. With young talents like Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo already thriving, Ekitike could follow in their footsteps and flourish if he makes the switch to Anfield.
Considering his current level, and the struggles Liverpool have faced in the number nine position in recent seasons, a move for Ekitike could be one of the most thrilling signings of the summer at Anfield—perhaps even as exciting as the potential arrival of Wirtz.
In other news, Liverpool Learn Price Tag for Brazil Star Previously Targeted by Michael Edwards
