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Micah Richards and Alan Shearer share doubts over Liverpool target Florian Wirtz(Image: The Rest Is Football)

Micah Richards and Alan Shearer have both expressed doubts about whether Florian Wirtz could handle the physicality of the Premier League as Liverpool continue their pursuit of the German star.

The 22-year-old Leverkusen playmaker is being eyed up for a move to Anfield this month.

Liverpool's bids have so far been rejected by Leverkusen, who are reportedly holding out for a British record transfer fee of over £126m.

If Wirtz does make the move to England, pundits and former professionals Richards and Shearer agree that he may struggle with the increased physical demands of the Premier League, despite praising his exceptional technical skills.

To date, Leverkusen have rejected two offers from Liverpool for Wirtz, the most recent being £110m.

However, another bid for the player, who scored 16 goals and provided 13 assists in all competitions last season, is expected shortly.

German publication BILD also reports that personal terms will not be an issue, with Wirtz having already agreed on a prospective contract that would keep him at Liverpool until 2030.

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Richards and Shearer discussed the potential of Leverkusen star Wirtz, with both acknowledging concerns about his ability to adapt to a more physical league on The Rest Is Football podcast.

Shearer questioned his co-host Richards: "Is he that good Micah?" To which the former Manchester City defender retorted confidently: "He's exceptional.

Concerns have been raised over Wirtz's lack of physicality(Image: Getty Images)

"Obviously, he's got to do it in a league which is more physical.

Or is he gonna play him out on the left-hand side, because he can do both, and honestly, for £120million he's worth every single penny."

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Shearer then added: "I've seen him quite a bit this season in the Champions League, and there's no doubt he's a really, really talented player.

"It's a hell of a lot of money, but I think he'll be a success.

With technical ability and all of that, he's a very, very good player."

While Reds supporters are eager for a swift resolution, ex-Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller conceded this week that it might 'take a while' to finalise the details between both parties.

However, he believes Wirtz is keen and likely to become a Liverpool player, reports the Mirror.


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