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Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz is reportedly deciding on his future(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool have been urged to push ahead with the signing of German star Florian Wirtz by ex-Red Vladimir Smicer.

Smicer, who scored against AC Milan in the club's famous Champions League final comeback at Istanbul in 2005, told Anfield chiefs that bringing Wirtz to Merseyside would be akin to when the club made transformational signings like Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino.

While Wirtz is one of Europe's most in-demand players, Liverpool were given a major boost in the race to sign the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder this week after reports suggested that Manchester City have cooled their interest in the star due to financial concerns.

The German playmaker had been identified as a primary target by Pep Guardiola, but City have decided to walk away from a deal with a transfer fee in the region of £125million, reportedly presenting a stumbling block.

This now leaves the door open for Liverpool to secure Wirtz's signature, although landing the player won't be an easy task.

Bayern Munich are expected to represent heavy competition for Wirtz, and Smicer, 51, is of the opinion that Liverpool should have actually brought in the young German 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 Phillipe Coutinho," Smicer said to 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."

Article continues belowVladimir Smicer thinks Liverpool should move ahead with a move for Wirtz(Image: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Wirtz featured 45 times for the Bundesliga giants this season.

He played a key role in Xabi Alonso's side comfortably securing qualification for next season's Champions League, scoring 16 goals and providing 15 assists.

Wirtz's contract at the Bay Arena expires in June 2027 and reports suggest that Reds have made it known to the Germany international, and his parents, that they would be a viable option if he fancies moving from his homeland.

It was reported that Liverpool officials met with Wirtz and his family when they jetted into the UK last week as Arne Slot's newly crowned Premier League champions look ahead to next season.

Bayer Leverkusen duo Jeremie Frimpong Florian Wirtz could both be headed to Liverpool if reports are to be believed(Image: TOBIAS SCHWARZ/AFP via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Liverpool have moved quickly for Wirtz's Leverkusen team-mate Jeremie Frimpong.

The right-back is expected to become a Liverpool player this week after undergoing a medical on Sunday ahead of a £30m move from the German outfit.

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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 defeat by Brighton on Monday evening.

"I think what we all know is the moment we announce it," he said.
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