In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Liverpool FC is reportedly ready to cut ties with their marquee summer signing, Florian Wirtz, after just one underwhelming season at Anfield.
The Reds, who shattered their transfer record by splashing £116 million on the young German midfielder from Bayer Leverkusen, are now willing to offload him for a reduced fee of €110 million—equivalent to around £97 million.
This drastic price slash represents a staggering loss of nearly £19 million in just a few months, highlighting the club’s growing impatience amid a sluggish team transition under manager Arne Slot.
Liverpool’s summer transfer window was nothing short of extravagant, with the Premier League giants investing a whopping £446 million in new talent to revamp their squad. Over £300 million of that budget was funneled into bolstering the attack, including the high-profile acquisitions of Wirtz and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak. At 21 years old during the transfer, Wirtz arrived with immense hype, fresh off a stellar campaign where he notched 16 goals and 15 assists in all competitions for Leverkusen. Fans and pundits alike viewed him as the missing puzzle piece in Slot’s evolving system—a dynamic, creative force capable of unlocking defenses and elevating the team’s play.
However, reality has painted a far different picture. Wirtz’s integration into the Liverpool lineup has been fraught with challenges, marked by a slow start that has failed to live up to expectations. In 21 appearances across all competitions this season, the now 22-year-old has managed only five assists and remains goalless for his new club. His first creative contribution in the Premier League didn’t arrive until his 13th game, and a potential maiden goal against Sunderland was heartbreakingly ruled as an own goal, crediting him with yet another assist instead.
According to reports from Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Liverpool’s hierarchy is now actively “considering” selling Wirtz as frustrations mount among supporters and within the club. The decision to lower their asking price so significantly underscores the urgency to recoup funds and potentially reinvest elsewhere, especially as the team’s overall performances continue to underwhelm despite the heavy spending. This move comes at a time when Slot’s project is still in its infancy, with the Dutch manager grappling to mold a cohesive unit from a blend of new arrivals and established stars.
The speculation has inevitably drawn interest from Europe’s elite clubs, with Real Madrid emerging as a prime suitor. Los Blancos have placed Wirtz on their shortlist for a potential 2026 transfer, viewing him as a long-term asset to refresh their midfield. Adding intrigue to the saga is Real Madrid’s current manager, Xabi Alonso—a Liverpool legend who knows Wirtz intimately from their successful stint together at Bayer Leverkusen. Alonso, who guided Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title before taking the reins at the Bernabeu, is said to be eager for a reunion with his former protege.
Yet, Alonso’s own position at Madrid is precarious. The Spaniard has faced mounting scrutiny following a string of inconsistent results, putting his job under threat. Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has noted that Real Madrid is monitoring the situation closely, with potential replacements like B-team manager Alvaro Arbeloa, Zinedine Zidane, and even Jurgen Klopp being mentioned in whispers. “The situation remains one to watch in the upcoming games and the upcoming weeks,” Romano commented on his YouTube channel.
If Alonso survives the pressure and retains his role—perhaps buoyed by a trophy win this season—it could significantly boost Madrid’s chances of landing Wirtz. The report suggests that Alonso’s familiarity with the player and his tactical vision could make the Santiago Bernabeu an appealing destination, especially if Liverpool’s resolve to sell intensifies.
For Liverpool fans, this development is a bitter pill to swallow. The club had high hopes that Wirtz would spearhead a new era of dominance, but his struggles mirror broader issues in the squad’s adaptation. As the January transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Anfield to see if this “urgent” sale materializes or if Wirtz can turn the tide and justify his record-breaking fee.
This story is developing, and with Real Madrid circling, the future of one of football’s brightest young talents hangs in the balance. Will Wirtz bounce back in red, or is a blockbuster move to Madrid on the horizon? Only time will tell.
