Liverpool Set to Sign Player ‘Strong in Tackling’ and ‘Will Be a Huge Hit’ – Report
Former Liverpool striker Karl-Heinz Riedle has shared his thoughts on Florian Wirtz’s anticipated switch to Anfield.
Riedle is confident that Wirtz will become a major success at Liverpool, describing the midfielder as a player who will make a significant impact.
Liverpool have reportedly reached an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen for the signature of Wirtz. The Merseyside giants are expected to pay an initial £100 million, with potential add-ons pushing the total deal to £116 million—setting a new British transfer record.
The 22-year-old is widely regarded as one of Europe’s brightest young stars and will join the Reds with a stellar reputation. Over the course of 197 appearances for Leverkusen, he has scored 58 goals and provided 65 assists.
His performances in the 2023–24 season were especially noteworthy, as he helped guide the club to their first-ever Bundesliga title and a DFB-Pokal triumph. The only defeat Xabi Alonso’s side suffered all season was against Atalanta in the Europa League final.
Wirtz is also a key figure in the German national team setup. While Bayern Munich were initially seen as favourites to land the playmaker and Manchester City also showed interest, Liverpool emerged ahead of both clubs. The former Cologne player is said to have been enticed by the opportunity to work under Arne Slot and join the Premier League title-holders.
What’s Been Said
Riedle, who played for Liverpool between 1997 and 1999, also had spells with SS Lazio, Borussia Dortmund, and Fulham during his career.
The former Germany international believes Liverpool are securing a player who not only excels off the ball but is also committed to doing the hard work required on the defensive side of the game.
Speaking to BILD, ex-striker Riedle said: “Even in my time, Liverpool were cool. Jürgen Klopp has transformed the club into something completely new. Liverpool has so much quality up front; it’s a gift for any number 10 to be able to play in this team.
“Florian Wirtz has outstanding playing potential, and on top of that, he’s strong in tackling, which will help him in England. Florian is now taking a big step in his career. He will be a huge hit with the fans and his style of play.”
Bayern Munich have a long-standing tradition of attracting top talent from within the Bundesliga to the Allianz Arena. In recent years, stars such as Robert Lewandowski, Mario Götze, Joshua Kimmich, Mats Hummels,
Serge Gnabry, and Konrad Laimer have all been drawn to the Bavarian giants. This summer, Wirtz’s former Bayer Leverkusen teammate Jonathan Tah also completed a move to Bayern.
However, Wirtz chose not to remain in Germany and instead embraced a new challenge with Liverpool. Speaking to German outlet SV, Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl commented:
“I don’t know if we could have paid the price that Liverpool now apparently has to pay, It was clear, the entire club communicated, that the player was outstanding.
“And that we could very well have imagined him moving to FC Bayern. Now he’s decided differently, even though the talks were very good. Everyone was at the table. But Florian decided otherwise. That’s how it is in the transfer market.
“In the first step, you say, ‘Damn it.’ But one door closes, another opens. Now we’ll reposition ourselves for the future. Florian will make his way at Liverpool. Now we’re trying to find another outstanding player who will be successful with us.”
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