Why Liverpool Are Refusing to Blink on Florian Wirtz

Liverpool are bracing for renewed transfer interest in Florian Wirtz when the January window opens, but the club have no intention of selling the Germany international.

Wirtz joined from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal that could rise to £116 million, and while his first season delivered 15 goal contributions in 49 appearances, his second campaign has started slowly — just one assist in five games and no goal in his last twelve matches for club and country.

Bayern circling again

Bayern Munich were serious contenders for Wirtz before Liverpool won the race for his signature, and their interest has not gone away. Reports suggest the German champions would move quickly if Liverpool ever changed their stance, though Anfield sources expect any January approach to be rejected.

• Manager Andoni Iraola is said to still be searching for the role that gets the best from Wirtz.
• Wirtz thrived in Germany operating between the lines with freedom to drift centrally.
• Liverpool have not always been able to offer him that same platform so far.

Why patience is the right call

Judging a £116 million signing on five underwhelming matches would be premature. If Liverpool can find the tactical setup that let Wirtz thrive at Leverkusen, the noise around a January exit should fade quickly enough.