Could Liverpool Consider Selling £116m Florian Wirtz After Struggles in Premier League?

Florian Wirtz became the most expensive signing in British football history when he joined Liverpool for £116 million ($157 million) in 2025. At just 23 years old, expectations were high for the German playmaker, especially after his success at Bayer Leverkusen where he won a Bundesliga title. Fans and pundits expected him to shine in the Premier League with his creative flair.

Despite the hype, Wirtz struggled to make a strong impact in his debut season. Liverpool stumbled early in the 2025-26 campaign, and Wirtz managed only seven goals and seven assists, falling short of what many anticipated from him. This has raised questions about his overall contribution to the team.

When Might Liverpool Entertain Transfer Offers?

Although Liverpool invested heavily in Wirtz, patience may not last forever. The club might only give him two seasons to prove he deserves a long-term place on Merseyside. Fellow German and former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann shared insights on when transfer rumors could intensify.

"He has to start playing well. He has to start influencing the game," Hamann told GOAL. "He's probably not got that respect from other players because they can’t always trust he’ll make an impact when he gets the ball. He needs to find balance in his game between defending and attacking."

Hamann continued by noting that Wirtz sometimes does too much defensively trying to help the team but hasn’t yet earned enough respect from teammates for his offensive contributions. He said the player is meant to create and score goals rather than focus on winning balls back.

"There were only a few games last season where he showed that, and it’s not enough. The Premier League is physical, and some great players needed time to adapt. But if he doesn’t improve soon, especially before the next international break, there will be plenty of debate about whether Liverpool made the right decision."

Hamann suggested that if Wirtz fails to influence games in the coming weeks, Liverpool could look for alternatives even as early as the winter transfer window.

Where Does Wirtz Fit Best on the Pitch?

One ongoing discussion around Wirtz concerns his ideal position. Is he better suited as a classic No.10 playmaker or as a wide forward who cuts inside? Hamann weighed in on this topic, noting that Liverpool bought Wirtz to be a central figure in their attack.

"If you have a No.10 who doesn't create enough chances or score enough goals, then you have to think about changes," Hamann said. "With new players like Bradley Barcola arriving, the competition is tough. The club can’t wait forever for Wirtz to find his best role."

Liverpool’s Current Situation and What Lies Ahead

Wirtz is under contract with Liverpool until 2030, but he must improve quickly to justify that commitment. The Reds are now coached by Spanish manager Andoni Iraola, who has seen his side start the 2026-27 Premier League season with two draws: 2-2 against Newcastle and 2-2 against Nottingham Forest.

The team will face newly promoted Ipswich Town next on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 21:00, hoping to gather momentum as Wirtz searches for form and influence in the squad.

• Season: 2026-27
• Games played: 2
• Points: 2
• Upcoming match: Ipswich Town vs Liverpool, 4 Sept 2026, 21:00