"He is a player who will soon make a name for himself worldwide." Liverpool has ambitiously acquired Florian Wirtz (22), but what role will he take on?
The British BBC reported on the 14th (Korean time) that "Liverpool has signed Florian Wirtz (22) for a club-record transfer fee of 100 million pounds (about 185.6 billion won)" and that "with additional options included, it could rise to a record 116 million pounds (about 215.3 billion won) in the British transfer market."
Wirtz, who is set to become Liverpool's 'new No. 10', is already a proven top talent in the Bundesliga. He made his debut at Bayer 04 Leverkusen at the age of 17 and became the youngest goal scorer in league history just 19 days later against Bayern Munich, recording 44 assists in the league over the next four seasons. He is the only player in his 20s among the top five in assists. His potential for skill development is far from exhausted.
BBC football expert Raphael Honigstein said, "Wirtz is a player close to being complete. He has already gained top-level experience at Leverkusen and in the German national team. He will need to adjust to the pace and physicality of the Premier League, but he is not the type to get easily intimidated."
This transfer is not just about acquiring a star; it is a clear result of a plan and vision. Honigstein added, "Liverpool has presented the clearest roadmap. They specifically explained what position Wirtz will play and what role he will take on. Bayern Munich had issues overlapping with Jamal Musiala, and Manchester City had no central role for him. Liverpool was different."
In fact, Liverpool under head coach Arne Slot is at a crossroads of change. One of the players who played as an attacking midfielder in the 4-2-3-1 formation last season will have to step aside. Existing central positions such as Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister may face uncertainty. Especially, Szoboszlai has performed well in both scoring and assisting, but there are speculations he might give up his position for Wirtz.
According to the BBC, Coach Slot has suggested a 'central No. 10 role' for Wirtz. He is not just a playmaker creating chances but also a 'modern No. 10' who can score directly. Wirtz was the most effective dribbler in the Bundesliga last season and created multiple decisive chances per game, and he is expected to be the link for the forwards.
If adjustments to the existing tactics are necessary, a 4-3-3 Plan B in which Wirtz or Szoboszlai plays in a 'false No. 9' role is also being considered. This is similar to how Roberto Firmino played a key role in the buildup, facilitating scoring for Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané in the past.
John Gibbons, host of the BBC football podcast 'Anfield Wrap,' explained, "Liverpool has not seen significant benefits from a 'traditional No. 9' resource. Like Firmino, he could be expected to drop deep from the forward position to give space to Salah and Luis Díaz."
Currently, Liverpool has also signed Jeremie Frimpong from Leverkusen and is negotiating a transfer for left-back Milos Kerkez (Bournemouth) in the range of 45 to 50 million pounds. They are not only strengthening the attack but also the flanks, building a new team balance centered around Wirtz.
Meanwhile, the BBC reported, "Wirtz's growth process has been wholly a 'family project.' He is the youngest among ten siblings, with his sister Julianne being a professional player at Werder Bremen, and his mother is a handball coach. His father, Hans Joachim, still plays the role of his agent and is in his 70s. The negotiation for the transfer to Liverpool was also led by him directly."
German football journalist Konstantin Eckner evaluated, "It is a rare structure in modern football. Unlike large agents who chase only profits, the family has designed his career and led to stable growth."
Wirtz suffered the pain of missing the World Cup due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2022, but after returning, he played a key role in Leverkusen's league unbeaten victory. In the 2024-2025 season, he ranks second in assists in the Bundesliga (12) and has recorded the most through passes over two seasons, rising to the ranks of Europe's top midfielders.
Now Wirtz continues his glorious journey at Anfield. Fans from around the world are focused on whether his talent will shine with 'astronomical value' in the Premier League.
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