Could Liverpool Sell £116m Florian Wirtz? Former Midfielder Predicts Transfer Talk Timeline

Florian Wirtz became the priciest signing in British football history when he joined Liverpool for £116 million ($157m) in 2025. Yet, despite the huge fee, the 23-year-old German playmaker has found it tough to make a lasting impact in the Premier League. Former Reds midfielder and fellow German Dietmar Hamann shared with GOAL when transfer rumors might begin to gather pace regarding Wirtz’s future.

Wirtz’s Performance So Far at Liverpool

Coming from Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the Bundesliga, Wirtz was hailed as an extraordinary talent expected to shine in England. But his start at Liverpool was slow; during the 2025-26 season, he scored seven goals and matched that tally with seven assists. This output fell short of what many expected, raising questions about how much he truly adds to the team.

When Could Liverpool Entertain Offers?

Despite the large investment, Liverpool cannot afford endless patience. Wirtz is still searching for form early in the 2026-27 season, and he may only get two seasons to prove himself worthy of a long-term role at Anfield. Hamann, speaking alongside Betinia NJ, said:

“He has to start playing well and influence matches. Right now, he’s floating and doesn’t have the respect from teammates to ease off defensively because they don’t trust that he’ll create something every time he gets the ball. He’s working hard defensively but maybe too much, trying to help the team. The balance is off. He isn’t there to win balls back; his job is to assist and score goals.”

“Last season, only a handful of games showed that. Some players take time to adapt to the Premier League’s physicality—like Juan Sebastian Veron, who lasted just one season. I thought Wirtz was too good to fail initially, but past Christmas, it looked unlikely he'd break through.”

“If he doesn't improve soon—within three or four weeks, before the international break—we’ll hear serious talk about whether Liverpool made the right choice buying him, and he might wonder if this is the place for him. Something will likely happen, even in January if things don’t improve.”

Best Position for Wirtz: No.10 or Wide Forward?

There’s debate over where Wirtz fits best on the pitch. Is he a natural No.10 playmaker or more effective as a wide forward drifting inside? Hamann weighed in:

“People say he’s great in training, but last year after Christmas, someone should have told him either to step up or reconsider in the summer after the World Cup. Liverpool can’t wait forever. He was bought to be the main man.”

“I don’t blame his position on the left. A year ago, I thought he’d fit as a No.10, but if a No.10 isn’t creating chances or scoring enough, then others have to play—especially with Bradley Barcola arriving. It’s a tricky situation in England.”

Current Situation and Outlook

Wirtz remains under contract with Liverpool until 2030. However, if he wants to stay beyond this transitional phase, he must boost his contributions on the field. The Reds, now led by Spanish coach Andoni Iraola, have taken just two points from their opening two Premier League games in 2026-27, drawing 2-2 against both Newcastle and Nottingham Forest. Their next match is away at Ipswich Town on Friday, September 4th, where fans will hope Wirtz can begin to turn things around.