Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Roberto Firmino claps the fans during his last game for Liverpool(Image: Sean Ryan/REX/Shutterstock)

If Liverpool's interest in Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz could herald a departure from a tried-and-tested recruitment model at Anfield, it may also lead to a tactical shift from Arne Slot.

The Premier League champions have sounded out Wirtz and his entourage and made it known that they would be interested in bringing him to Anfield should the Germany international decide that he wants to leave Leverkusen for the bright lights of English football.

As one of the most talented youngsters in European football, it is no surprise to learn that it is not just Liverpool who are keeping tabs on Wirtz's next career choice, with Bayern Munich and Manchester City also particularly keen.



READ MORE:Liverpool close on Jeremie Frimpong transfer as £30m release clause set to be triggeredREAD MORE:Liverpool ready for Florian Wirtz transfer battle as stance confirmed on £125m star

There is an expectation at Anfield that the 22-year-old will remain in his homeland by either staying at Bayer or moving to Munich but the Reds have made it known to Wirtz and his family - his father, Hans, serves as his agent - that they are keen should he fancy aswitch to the Premier League.

Before the recent defeat at Chelsea, Slot spoke about how winning the title with four games to spare allowed more time and space to devote to the summer's transfer activities, which was important given the players on the shortlists will be in demand.

“(Being champions) definitely helps, I think, to attract new players as well," Slot said.

"Because mostly the players that we want to have, we are not the only clubs who think they are good players, so these players have probably more options.

Article continues below

"And then it helps maybe for them to see that the way we do things over here is special, I think you can say that.

"In the background, of course I did (plan for next season) already a little bit, because it's not like after we won the league, that's the first time Richard (Hughes, sporting director) called me and said: 'Okay, these are the players we are interested in!'”

A valuation of around £125m for the Leverkusen star means it would be a major statement by the champions if they are to bring him to Anfield.

As things stand, we are a long way before that comes to fruition with the Wirtz family said to be asking for time and patience as the attacking midfielder figures out his plans for next season.

Liverpool's need for a No.9 has become more glaring as the season has gone on.

Darwin Nunez has started just one Premier League game in 2025 - at home to rock-bottom and now relegated Southampton in March - while Diogo Jota has struggled since an upper body injury against Chelsea way back in October.

Relive Liverpool’s incredible 2024/25 title-winning season – the Reds’ 20th league crown and the first lifted in front of fans since 1990.

Featuring match reports, player spotlights, behind-the-scenes stories and iconic moments from a campaign to remember.

Celebrate Liverpool's Premier League title win with the perfect souvenir by ordering a copy online today, just click here!

A must-have 48-page keepsake for every Red.

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield on April 27, 2025 (Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

And you can also order a copy of Monday's Liverpool ECHO celebrating Liverpool's triumph direct to your home on our online store.

Liverpool ECHO front page.

April 28, 2025

Also available is the Liverpool FC CHAMP20NS: Premier League winners 24/25, with a double sided poster.

Pre-order here: https://reachsportshop.com/special_edition/liverpool-fc-champ20ns-premier-league-winners-24-25/

Liverpool FC CHAMP20NS magazine

Between them, the centre-forwards have registered just 11 goals in the league and Nunez in particular has looked increasingly on the periphery as the campaign has gone on.

An exit for either player this summer surely ramps up the need for a striker - but could Wirtz offer something of an alternative to that pursuit?

The creative Germany international perhaps best operates off the frontman in a classic No.10 style but he can also perform in wider areas.

With Slot often preferring Dominik Szoboszlai's engine and power as the most advanced midfielder, Wirtz would represent a contrast in styles to the Hungarian if they became team-mates.

But is there a world where Slot deploys Wirtz as a more traditional centre-forward in the 'false 9' role that was made famous at Anfield by the great Roberto Firmino?

At the price point Wirtz is being valued at, adding a big-money striker to the ranks on top feels like it would be difficult, particularly with Jeremie Frimpong closing in on a £30m move from Leverkusen himself and the Reds still expected to look at the left side of their defence.

Since the start of last season, Wirtz has 23 assists, which is a Bundesliga high, while he has also registered 21 goals.
For more news relating to Manchester City, visit our sister site City Latest Live.