Liverpool appears ready to acquire Bayer Leverkusen and Germany’s rising star Florian Wirtz this summer as they aim to maintain their title as Premier League champions – and the 22-year-old has openly responded to claims suggesting he wishes to take the No.10 jersey from Alexis Mac Allister.
Having been born and raised in Pulheim, Wirtz has established himself as one of Europe’s most promising young talents – and Arne Slot, seeking to enhance his already formidable attacking lineup, is eager to secure the services of the Germany international, whose current contract runs until 2027.
Due to interest from Manchester City and, more significantly, Bayern Munich, the Reds are compelled to pay a premium to fend off competition from other contenders.
As speculation regarding his transfer to Liverpool intensifies, he has taken to Instagram to dismiss the idea of taking Mac Allister’s number.
Florian Plettenberg, a journalist from Wirtz’s native Germany, recently posted on X (formerly Twitter) to indicate that the attacking midfielder, who is widely considered one of the top players in global football, is eager to don the No.10 shirt at Anfield, thereby taking it from Mac Allister.
“Florian Wirtz wishes to wear the number 10 shirt at Liverpool FC. He currently wears it at Leverkusen as well as the number 17 shirt for Germany,” he stated, adding: “At the Reds, Alexis Mac Allister currently holds the number 10.
“At the end of May, according to The Athletic, Slot’s team made an offer of up to €130 million (£109m) for the Die Werkself star and remains resolute in their pursuit of him in the upcoming weeks, or even days, as they aim to maintain momentum following the recent confirmation of Jeremie Frimpong’s signing.
As previously mentioned, Mac Allister currently wears the No.
10 jersey at Anfield – and the reports regarding Wirtz’s preference may have surprised those connected with the club, considering the Argentine’s significant impact on Liverpool’s performance and success during Slot’s inaugural season.
However, Wirtz, a 29-cap Germany international, has responded to Plettenberg’s remarks on Instagram.
In a state of disbelief, he wrote: “Who says I want the 10? I respect players. Don’t believe everything that is written.
“In the 2024/25 season alone, the blonde-haired midfielder was central to Xabi Alonso’s squad.
With 31 goal involvements (16 goals and 15 assists) in 45 appearances, Wirtz’s potential move to England is an exhilarating prospect, particularly for those who support Anfield.