Florian Wirtz has been linked with a sensational move away from Liverpool following his underwhelming start in England.
Liverpool star Wirtz under scrutiny as Xabi Alonso eyes potential Real Madrid move
Kai Havertz Wirtz joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer for a reported £116 million, but the German midfielder has yet to live up to expectations. In 10 appearances for the Reds, Wirtz has not registered a goal or assist, struggling to adapt to the demands of the Premier League.
Wirtz started Liverpool’s opening fixtures but was dropped for their clash with Everton, highlighting the difficulties he has faced since his high-profile move.
As Liverpool prepare to resume their league campaign this weekend, reports from Spain suggest that Xabi Alonso has advised Real Madrid to monitor Wirtz’s situation closely. According to Defensa Central, Alonso has urged the Spanish giants to “pay close attention to Wirtz’s future at Liverpool.”
Alonso previously worked with Wirtz at Bayer Leverkusen and had been keen to sign him for Real Madrid before Liverpool secured the transfer. The report claims that bringing Wirtz to Spain remains Alonso’s “ultimate dream,” and notes that the 22-year-old might see a move as a potential solution to his struggles in England.
Should Wirtz continue to underperform this season, a transfer to La Liga could emerge as a realistic option for both player and club.
Arne Slot defends Florian Wirtz amid Liverpool struggles
Florian Wirtz has yet to record a goal or assist in 10 appearances for Liverpool this season, though flashes of his talent have been evident. Ahead of Sunday’s clash against Manchester United, manager Arne Slot once again came to the German midfielder’s defense.
Slot insists Wirtz, Liverpool’s No.7, has been unlucky and needs time to adapt to life in the Premier League.
“When a player is signed for such a large fee, everyone focuses on goals and assists, but I can tell you he could already have six or seven assists,” Slot told Sky Sports.
“Look at the passes he’s played that didn’t lead to goals — for example, against Chelsea, one minute after coming on, he set up Mo Salah with a perfect flick. For Mo, that’s usually a goal. The only other time he had a similar chance was against Atletico Madrid, but Mo hit the post.”
Slot added that Wirtz’s difficulty finishing chances created for teammates is normal for a 22-year-old adapting to a new country and league.
Wirtz came off the bench in Liverpool’s defeat to Chelsea before the international break and will hope to start against Manchester Unite
