Liverpool transfers Q&A: YOUR questions answered on Wirtz, Kerkez and more

Liverpool are Premier League champions but, as Steven Gerrard said last week, it is best to fix the roof while the sun is shining.

With that in mind, it is shaping up to be not just the big summer Virgil van Dijk has referenced multiple times — but a huge summer.

So, I asked you for your best questions. And here are the answers — with every topic you wanted dealt with (apart from the ‘who would win a fight between me and 100 polar bears’, etc). Enjoy!

Thoughts on Florian Wirtz’s Instagram story?

Florian Wirtz signing for Liverpool is a matter of ‘when’ not ‘if’ — and it has been for a week or so now.

This Instagram story further highlighted that. For those who do not know, he denied German reports that he was demanding Alexis Mac Allister’s No 10 shirt in talks with Liverpool.

We do not know Wirtz’s character too well yet but from what we are aware of, he doesn’t seem the sort to make those sort of egotistical demands. And fair play to him for shooting it down.

He could have also shot down that he was coming to Liverpool at all but he did not, which sort of gives the game away that he will soon be holding a Reds shirt.

Why is the Wirtz saga taking so long?

It is not out of the ordinary for transfers to take so long and the social media age has made each deal seem like a saga.

I suppose this one is a saga due to the Bayern Munich interest and then the Bavarian club briefing to media they were out of a race they previously seemed to be leading — and the whole Manchester City storyline too.

But this is a club-record fee we are talking about for one of the best footballers on the planet.

Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen are not just going to shake hands within two minutes of talks, it takes time.

It is heading in the right direction, though, and will be done soon. Calm.

Where does Arne Slot envision placing Wirtz in his 11? Would it be in replacement to Dominik Szoboszlai or a different position (left attack) allowing for both to be on the pitch?

Good question.

From what I’ve heard, Arne Slot has been very influential in persuading Wirtz to join Liverpool over the likes of Bayern Munich – where he may have earned more money.

Sources say Slot envisages Wirtz primarily as a No 10, the new creative hub of the team who can also contribute with goals, but he is versatile so could play across the front line including off the left or as a No 9… false or otherwise!

What does this mean for Dominik Szoboszlai, I hear you ask. Well, three things to say on this: the Hungary captain, in my opinion, is better as a No 8 than a No 10, anyway. He does not score enough goals as a No 10. And an extra body is perfect for Slot.

Do you think Luis Diaz is more likely to stay at Liverpool or leave?

Liverpool are well aware of the interest from both Saudi club Al Nassr and Spanish champions Barcelona in Luis Diaz. But as of yet, there have been no official approaches from either to sign him.

Would Liverpool sell? At the right price and if replacements were sourced then it is a possibility.

Diaz’s social media post where he talked of the love he has for Liverpool could be seen in two ways – a goodbye or simply saying how much he enjoys playing at Anfield.

To answer the question, I would say at this stage this one is probably leaning towards Diaz staying – but if Al Nassr or Barcelona step up their interest, that could change very quickly.

Will Liverpool be in for Nico Williams if he leaves?

Possible and one to watch but I’ve not heard anything to suggest Liverpool are ready to step up their interest.

How close is Milos Kerkez to signing?

I would expect this one to be wrapped up soon.

It has been obvious for some months now that Milos Kerkez was heading to Liverpool, with Mail Sport first revealing their interest way back in December.

The Bournemouth left back is on international duty with Hungary at the moment but the clubs will hope to strike a deal soon.

Sources insist no official bids have been made yet and Bournemouth will dig their heels in to get the £45m they are demanding - but Liverpool hope to negotiate the package down. Personal terms will not be an issue.

Any more friendlies scheduled?

Not yet but I would be surprised if Liverpool only play two friendlies this summer – the AC Milan match in Hong Kong and then a game against Yokohama F Marinos in Japan.

There has been talk about a friendly against a top-quality opposition that could be arranged but it is too early to say any more on that.

Liverpool do normally play a friendly at Anfield, too, before the season starts. The Community Shield makes this difficult this year but I think one will be arranged in due course.

Will we go big on a striker?

The noise in the last week has been that after wrapping up the Wirtz deal, Liverpool will turn their attention to targeting a No 9 and defender.

Hugo Ekitike is the name that crops up the most but Chelsea are also in that race despite the fact they are signing Liam Delap.

Liverpool were never in the race for Delap despite reports and they did their due diligence on Matheus Cunha, now of Manchester United, but decided not to pursue a move.

The No 9 market is not an easy one to shop in and I would expect more names to emerge in the next weeks if they do decide to press forward with buying one.

But to sign a striker this summer, they would certainly have to sell some players including a certain No 9, which brings us nicely on to our next question…

What’s the deal with Darwin Nunez?

It remains the case that Darwin Nunez is set to leave Liverpool this summer and he has suitors both in Saudi Arabia and Europe.

Al Hilal, as Confidential has reported in the past, made an approach in January to sign the Uruguay No 9. But Liverpool wanted to keep him for their title charge. Although he did not exactly set the world alight, he scored some important goals.

But it feels like the right time for Nunez to move on and I am expecting him to do so.

Atletico Madrid and Napoli have also been credited with an interest.

Arne Slot has often mentioned how much video he watched of Liverpool training tape prior to starting his role. Do you know if this is common practice or is the extent of the detail he went into an indication of why he is clearly in the elite bracket of managers?

Slot is Mr Meticulous.

I think the level of detail all top-level managers go into would shock most casual fans but Slot definitely goes above and beyond in this regard.

For example, when selling a pitch to a player to join his club, Slot has been said to show them big dossiers with what he knows about them and, most importantly, how the star could improve under the Dutchman’s leadership.

Slot will probably have done this with the likes of Jeremie Frimpong and Wirtz.

As you say, it is an indication into why he is in the elite bracket of bosses.