Exclusive: Chelsea set sights on Liverpool player signed for huge fee last year
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Credit: Imago, Getty Images Wed 27 May 2026 12:00, UK Xabi Alonso is a ‘huge’ fan of Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz and is keen for Chelsea to sign him this summer in a sensational move, sources have told Football Insider. The Blues hold a strong interest in the 23-year-old just one year after the Merseyside giants signed him from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth up to £116million.Wirtz has failed to live up to that price tag this season, ultimately ending the campaign with consecutive appearances off the bench.Sources say Liverpool would be open to letting Wirtz go for the right deal even though they would publicly deny that.Alonso oversaw the German’s transition to the next level in the 2023-24 season at Leverkusen, ultimately developing him into one of the most exciting talents in Europe.The Spaniard was appointed as Chelsea manager earlier this month and will be tasked with an overhaul at Stamford Bridge, after a failure to qualify for any level of European football.
VISIT THE MANAGER HUB Florian Wirtz looking to prove Premier League abilityFormer Everton chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider last week that Chelsea must give their full backing to Alonso this summer.The Spaniard arrives with a strong reputation, despite a disappointing stint with Real Madrid earlier this season. Florian WirtzStats – Premier League 2025-26 (per 90)Goals0.19Assists0.11Chances created2.26Successful dribbles1.47Fouls won0.72Duels won3.73The 44-year-old led Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga season in the 2023-24 campaign, in which they won the double and only lost their first game of the season in the Europa League final.Wirtz had only returned from an ACL injury in the season prior but found new heights under Alonso, scoring 18 goals and providing 19 assists in a staggering campaign.
There had, in fact, been frequent links to former player Alonso, who surely would have been open to taking the job had a different decision been made.Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Xabi Alonso as Manager of the Men’s Team. Welcome to Chelsea, Xabi!— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 17, 2026 View Tweet Liverpool appear to be sticking with Slot, although a decision to relieve him of his duties could still be made and would undoubtedly tie into the future of Wirtz.The midfielder may well push for an exit if the 47-year-old stays on, while the arrival of a new manager could convince him to stick to the task at Anfield. 🦁 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Chelsea Insider Access Get the full story from Stamford Bridge and Cobham with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from West London.