Westerveld Backs Wirtz to Shine as Liverpool’s £116m Gamble Looks Justified

Club legend gives glowing verdict on Liverpool’s record signing

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Sander Westerveld has thrown his support behind the club’s bold £116 million move for Florian Wirtz, insisting the midfielder is worth every penny.

“He’s definitely worth the money, he’s a little magician,” Westerveld told PA. “I don’t want to compare him with other players but he is definitely going to be one of the most exciting players next season.”

The backing by Westerveld only adds to the growing optimism around the 21-year-old’s arrival from Bayer Leverkusen, as Liverpool look to build a new era under Arne Slot.

Summer spending signals shift in transfer strategy

Wirtz joins fellow Leverkusen team-mate Jeremie Frimpong, along with Bournemouth full-back Milos Kerkez and Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, in what is quickly becoming a statement summer for Liverpool.

This flurry of high-profile arrivals has already pushed the club’s transfer spend beyond £200 million, making it the most significant outlay since 2018 under Fenway Sports Group.

“Finally, you would say,” Westerveld quipped. “Last season they only bought [Federico] Chiesa, so they haven’t spent in the last couple of years as other teams have but I think it was the right moment now.”

Foundations for a new-look Liverpool

There is a feeling of momentum around Anfield. Westerveld is convinced the squad is heading in the right direction, and sees Wirtz as a central figure in that transition.

“Wirtz is one of the best players in Europe and that is really helpful for Liverpool,” he said. “It’s really exciting to see the team coming together now.”