Former Germany manager Joachim Low believed that Xabi Alonso’s appointment as Real Madrid manager might have tilted the scales in their favour in the bid to land Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz. However, Liverpool are closing in on his signature instead.
The playmaker has been at the centre of transfer speculation with several of Europe’s footballing heavyweights circling. Manchester City were initially interested alongside Liverpool and Bayern Munich, but have since stepped away from the fray.
It appears that Wirtz fancies a switch to Liverpool rather than staying in Germany with Bayern, despite the Reds having multiple offers turned down. Rumours then swirled of Real Madrid potentially swooping for the playmaker to disrupt a potential move to Anfield.
However, even with Real Madrid keen on securing him and hiring Wirtz’s trusted confidant Alonso as their new manager, Liverpool are reportedly close to finalising the deal.
Low told Bild: “I just thought he’d be more likely to choose Real Madrid if he went abroad. He has developed enormously under him [Alonso] and they have a great relationship of trust. That’s very important for a young player.
“Nevertheless, I have no concerns that Wirtz will prevail – no matter where he would have gone. He plays with a naturalness that can’t be coached. He possesses all the skills a footballer needs to be a world-class player.”
Wirtz and Alonso were instrumental in Bayer Leverkusen’s shock Bundesliga triumph last term. The playmaker has netted 34 goals over two seasons and also helped clinch the German Cup during their double-winning campaign. But as Leverkusen are parting ways with top talent this summer, including Jeremie Frimpong, Liverpool emerge as a possible next step for Wirtz despite Bayern being an earlier suitor.
Low remarked on the potential of Wirtz thriving at Bayern, saying he “would have been a good fit” but the Bavarians appear out of the race for his signature, allowing Liverpool to make their move if they can meet Leverkusen’s hefty £126m valuation.
The ex-Germany manager highlighted that while adapting to the Premier League may be challenging, Wirtz will succeed: “Liverpool is a real statement because moving to the Premier League also involves a lot of adaptation and that starts with the rhythm of the game, but Florian Wirtz has no upper limit, he’s definitely ready for the next step. We’ve had that feeling for a long time.”
Additionally, Dietmar Hamann, an ex-Reds star, lauded Wirtz for his choice to go to the league leaders despite interest from elsewhere, telling Sky Sports Germany: “Florian Wirtz has made a decision. I believe it’s the right one. Things are really happening at Liverpool under Arne Slot. They’ll sign, or want to sign, two or three other players, from what I hear. That’s why I think Wirtz has made a very good decision.”
