Summer was to mark a turning point in the career of Florian Wirtz. Transferred for more than 125 million euros from Leverkusen to Liverpool, the German prodigy was expected as the offensive jewel of the new Arne Slot project. Three months later, the reality is much more painful: silent in the Premier League and in the Champions League, criticized by English legends and relegated to the bench during the big meetings, Wirtz saw the most difficult moment of his young career. And an unexpected outcome may well afford to him.
Real Madrid ready to reach out to Wirtz
According to Fichajes, Xabi Alonso has asked Real Madrid management to carefully monitor Florian Wirtz's situation in the coming months. The Basque coach, who won the Bundesliga with him in Leverkusen last season, is convinced that the attacking midfielder would find all his superb under his orders in Madrid. This follow -up is not trivial: despite the arrival of Mastantuono and the presence of Arda Güler, Real is always looking for a creative profile capable of succeeding Luka Modric in the medium term. The idea of a meeting between Alonso and Wirtz is therefore no longer a simple rumor.
At 22, Wirtz has not yet scored any goal or issued the slightest assist in eight official appearances. His disappointing performances have earned him the nickname “007” – zero goal, zero assist in seven games – which has become viral on social networks. Wayne Rooney believes he “Night to the balance of Liverpool”, Jamie Carragher asks “Let him get out of the team”while Gary Neville judges his performances “absolutely useless”. Even Arne Slot, while defending him publicly, chose to put him on the bench against Chelsea, proof that his place as a holder is no longer assured.
A profile that does not adapt to the Premier League
Wirtz's difficulties are also explained by a profound change in context. In a system where he shone in Leverkusen, he touched more than 77 balls per game against only 56 in Liverpool. His creative freedom is restrained, his positioning often eccentric, and the physical intensity of the Premier League forces him to run more, affecting his offensive performance. This tactical upheaval even led him to appear “On the verge of tears” During a television sequence across the Channel, a sign of deeper discomfort.
The interest of Real Madrid is therefore a timely for a player in search of Renaissance. The prospect of evolving under the orders of Xabi Alonso, in an environment he knows, could relaunch his career and allow him to become the creative maestro that he was in the Bundesliga. Liverpool will have to decide if he wishes to hang on to his record recruit or consider a sale next summer. One thing is certain: despite a missed departure, Florian Wirtz did not say his last word.
