Ex-Liverpool star Vladimir Smicer previously advocated for bringing Florian Wirtz to Anfield, with the German attacker reportedly at the centre of a tug-of-war involving Bayern Munich
Liverpool were encouraged to sign Germany star Florian Wirtz by former Anfield hero Vladimir Smicer a year ago. Smicer, who netted a goal against AC Milan in the Reds' legendary Champions League final comeback in Istanbul in 2005, advised club bosses that acquiring Wirtz would be comparable to when they signed game-changers like Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino.
Despite Wirtz being one of the most sought-after players in Europe, Liverpool received a significant boost this week in their bid to sign the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder. Reports suggest that Manchester City have backed off from their interest in the star due to financial constraints.
The playmaker had been earmarked as a key target by Pep Guardiola, but City have chosen to step away from a deal with a touted transfer fee of around £125million, which is reportedly proving to be a hurdle. This development potentially paves the way for Liverpool to secure Wirtz's services, although it won't be easy.
Bayern Munich are anticipated to pose stiff competition for him, and Smicer, 51, was wishing that Liverpool should have actually snapped him up last summer.
"If I could urge Liverpool to sign anyone this summer it would be Florian Wirtz, who is a player that reminds me of Philippe Coutinho," he told OLBG in the summer of 2024.
"Liverpool fans love that type of player. Bobby Firmino was another player who was very popular. So I'd go with Wirtz."
Wirtz has been a standout performer for the Bundesliga heavyweights this season, making 45 appearances. His pivotal role in Xabi Alonso's team comfortably clinching a spot in next season's Champions League was underscored by his impressive tally of 16 goals and 15 assists, reports the Liverpool Echo.
With Wirtz's contract at the Bay Arena running until June 2027, it's understood that Liverpool have signalled to the German international, and his parents, their interest in being a potential new home should he decide to leave his home country.
Reports emerged that Liverpool representatives met with Wirtz and his family during their visit to the UK last week, as Arne Slot's side, fresh from securing the Premier League title, begin preparations for next campaign.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have acted swiftly to secure the services of Wirtz's team-mate at Leverkusen, Jeremie Frimpong. The right-back is on the brink of joining the Reds this week following a medical on Sunday, with a £30m transfer from the German club in the pipeline.
Frimpong's arrival comes as the Reds look to move on from the pending departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid. Yet Slot was typically evasive when discussing the Dutch international's move to Anfield after Liverpool's 3-2 defeat by Brighton on Monday evening.
"I think what we all know is the moment we announce it," he said. "That is the moment to talk about it in general. We haven’t announced anything so no need to talk about anyone."