Liverpool’s push for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz has sparked discussion far beyond Merseyside, not just for the record-breaking figures involved but for what it signals about the direction under Arne Slot.
While negotiations for the 21-year-old are ongoing, Bayer Leverkusen rejected an opening €130 million (£109 million) bid. Liverpool is reportedly ready to go closer to the €150 million (£126 million) asking price. Wirtz is being treated as a transformative player. But how does he measure up against the midfielders Liverpool have signed in the past two seasons?
What the Numbers Already Reveal
The interest around Wirtz has been mirrored by sharp movement in the betting markets. Some of the top betting sites are placing odds on the possible signing before the close of the summer window. Sports betting expert Steven Panos says the sites update their odds quickly as changes occur, even allowing punters to bet on props and in-play events once games kick off after the possible rising star has been signed.
Various bookmakers have already priced Liverpool at 2/1 before the summer ends. That makes them clear favourites, ahead of Real Madrid at 6/1 and Bayern Munich at 10/1. The odds reflect how close Liverpool are to completing what would be a club-record move, and potentially one of the most exciting signings in Europe this year.
Wirtz isn’t just a flashy name. Compared to Liverpool’s other recent midfield arrivals, he brings more game control, more goals, and far more influence in key moments. It would be a statement signing, not only in value, but in footballing quality.
Wirtz vs. Alexis Mac Allister
Signed from Brighton in 2023 for a modest £35 million, Mac Allister arrived fresh off a World Cup win with Argentina and was viewed as the dependable heartbeat in midfield. Intelligent in possession, composed under pressure, and comfortable playing deep or as a No. 8, he was Klopp’s most consistent midfielder across a turbulent campaign. Mac Allistair was recently named the best midfielder in Europe, but he may have some competition from Wirtz.
Where Wirtz stands apart is in his ability to influence games higher up the pitch. Mac Allister is at his best recycling possession and keeping tempo, but he doesn’t break lines or carry the ball at pace. Wirtz, by contrast, thrives in the half-spaces and has the vision and drive to turn defenders inside out, something Liverpool have lacked centrally since Coutinho. Both players offer control, but Wirtz adds the attacking edge that Mac Allister cannot always provide.
Wirtz vs. Dominik Szoboszlai
Szoboszlai arrived last summer from RB Leipzig with plenty of excitement around his energy and goal threat. In bursts, he’s shown the power and shooting ability that made him a Bundesliga standout. However, his form faded in the second half of the season. His decision-making in the final third and work without the ball came under scrutiny, especially in big games.
Wirtz is more composed and more technical. While Szoboszlai plays more vertically, Wirtz reads the game several steps ahead. His Bundesliga numbers also eclipse Szoboszlai’s in both goal involvement and chance creation. At just 21, Wirtz already looks like a more refined and rounded version of what Liverpool hoped Szoboszlai would become.
Wirtz vs. Fábio Carvalho
Liverpool signed the Fulham forward in 2022. Carvahlo promised flair, but game time was limited. His loan to RB Leipzig didn’t work out either, and though talented, he has yet to find a clear role. With Liverpool’s midfield rebuild ongoing, there are questions about whether Carvalho will stay at Anfield or be moved on.
Wirtz offers similar qualities as Carvahlo in terms of creativity, tight control, and movement between the lines, but with the added maturity, tactical understanding, and experience of top-level football. Wirtz is what Carvalho was projected to become, but never quite reached.
Wirtz vs. Wataru Endō
Signed as a short-term solution after Liverpool missed out on Moisés Caicedo and Roméo Lavia, Endō quickly became an unlikely fan favourite. His reading of the game, leadership and discipline helped stabilise the midfield. But at 31, and with a very defined skill set, he’s unlikely to feature as a starter in Slot’s long-term vision.
Wirtz plays a very different role, but the comparison highlights Liverpool’s evolution. Endō was a reactive signing to plug a gap. Wirtz would be a proactive acquisition, representing forward-thinking recruitment with peak years ahead. While Endō’s job is to shield and recover, Wirtz is about unlocking doors and dictating matches in the final third.
Wirtz vs. Ryan Gravenberch
Signed from Bayern Munich with high hopes, Gravenberch has yet to find consistency. His physical attributes and technical ability are there, but his positioning and impact have varied. Some have questioned whether he fits Liverpool’s current midfield model.
Wirtz is far more polished. Gravenberch can glide through midfield but struggles to impose himself over 90 minutes. Wirtz, on the other hand, influences everything from pressing triggers to assist sequences. He dictates rather than reacts.
