Liverpool Prepare Record-Breaking Move for Florian Wirtz to Reinforce Midfield
Liverpool are on the verge of signing Florian Wirtz in what would be a club-record transfer, sending shockwaves across the Premier League. The German international has agreed personal terms, and Liverpool have submitted an offer exceeding €100 million to Bayer Leverkusen. With confidence growing around the move, head coach Arne Slot can start visualizing Wirtz as a key component in his squad.
Wirtz would be a major upgrade to a Liverpool midfield that has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Once seen as a weak spot in the squad, the midfield has been rejuvenated with new energy and talent.
In 2023, Liverpool brought in four new midfielders to replace departing veterans Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
A year later, they pursued Martin Zubimendi but failed to lure him away from Real Sociedad. Now, they could even face him next season if he joins Arsenal. With Wirtz, Liverpool have turned their focus to a different type of midfielder—more creative and attack-minded.
Current Midfield Setup
Slot has mostly deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation, with two holding midfielders and one in a more advanced position. Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister have been the regular starters in the double pivot, with Gravenberch making 37 league starts and Mac Allister 30.
Gravenberch showed great progress in his second season, especially after the failed Zubimendi deal. He’ll miss the beginning of the 2025–26 season due to a suspension but is expected to reclaim his spot.
Mac Allister, meanwhile, made an immediate impact after joining and was rested for the final match to be fully prepared for the pre-season.
Wirtz is expected to take on the advanced midfield role. Though capable of playing in various attacking positions, the No. 10 slot fits him best in Liverpool’s system. Under Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen, he typically played behind the striker in a dual playmaker setup. At Liverpool, he would operate as the central playmaker supporting the lone striker.
Impact on Existing Players
Wirtz’s arrival could push Dominik Szoboszlai out of the starting lineup. The Hungarian was the most expensive of the 2023 midfield signings but has faced criticism for not contributing enough in terms of goals and assists from the attacking midfield role. Some, however, argue his pressing and work rate are just as valuable.
If Wirtz claims the No. 10 role, Szoboszlai might have to adapt to a wider role or settle for a backup position.
Other midfielders who featured in the 2024–25 season include Curtis Jones (46 appearances), Wataru Endo (32), Harvey Elliott (28), Tyler Morton (5), Trey Nyoni (5), and James McConnell (4). Players with limited game time or younger prospects may need loan moves to continue developing.
Endo, mainly used to close out games, might soon face further competition if Liverpool bring in another defensive midfielder. Elliott remains committed to Liverpool but could be deployed as a winger. Jones, at 24, has established himself in the rotation and is set to become Liverpool’s most senior academy graduate following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure.
Additional Midfield Targets
Wirtz may not be the only new face in midfield. Liverpool also aim to strengthen their full-back positions, targeting Jeremie Frimpong (also from Leverkusen) for the right side and Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth on the left.
If room allows for another midfielder, Liverpool are reportedly eyeing a more defensive option to eventually replace Endo. Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller, compared to Toni Kroos, has been mentioned, as well as Athletic Club’s Mikel Jauregizar.
Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is another player Liverpool admire. He would command a high fee and likely expect a regular starting role, which could create selection dilemmas for Slot.
Should Liverpool continue with Gravenberch and Mac Allister at the base of midfield, they may be better off targeting a less-established defensive midfielder willing to grow into a first-team role over time.
Liverpool’s Dream Midfield Depth for Next Season
With Wirtz potentially arriving and another signing still possible, Liverpool’s midfield could be one of the deepest and most dynamic in the Premier League going into next season.
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