Florian Wirtz went to social media to refuse reports that he asked the number 10 shirt in Liverpool prior to a potential club record movement to the Premier League champions
Florian Wirtz has given speculation that he is looking at the legendary number 10 shirt in Liverpool -but the Bayer Leverkusen -star has moved a huge hint on his potential club record to Anfield.
The Reds are making a splash this summer and are discussing to bring the playmaker to Anfield – with his German employers reportedly € 150 million (£ 127 million). Two bids have already been rejected and while transfer discussions are progress, Wirtz seems to be eager to become a member of the English giants.
Striking controversy, it was suggested earlier in the week that Wirtz wished the iconic No.10 shirt, currently attracted by Alexis Mac Allister in Liverpool. With two seasons that the number in Bayer Leverkusen carries under his belt, the rumor mill implied that he felt like a similar arrangement in Anfield.
Nevertheless, the 22-year-old has explicitly concluded such suggestions with a heated denial. Wirtz posted on Instagram and shared a written message with the text: “Who says I want the 10? I respect players. Do not believe everything that is written,” accompany his words with a clown -emoji as if he were mocking the claims.
However, his recognition suggests that conversations are still underway – and the player himself is aware of the speculation of his future. Wirtz's potential claim on the shirt could have disrupted feathers, namely Mac Allister's, who was happy to get the no. 10 when he came to Liverpool a few years ago.
In earlier comments Mac Allister recognized the weight of the song and said: “I know how important the No. 10 is in football. I had the opportunity to also take the No. 8, which is a large number for this club because of this club [Steven] Gerrard, of course. “
He added and explained his shirt choice: “But I decided for No. 10 because I often used it, in Argentina, in Brighton under 23's. It is a song that I really like and that's why I chose it.”
The shirt number that Wirtz will attract in Liverpool remains uncertain, if his expected move to Merseyside occurs. Negotiations are still ongoing at club level, where Bayer Leverkusen is said to hold a fee in the £ 127 million region.
According to Sky Sports, Liverpool has already submitted an offer of around £ 105 million. The report also suggests that Wirtz wants to become a member of the Reds, despite the interest of Manchester City and Bayern Munich.
Previous reports suggested that Wirtz tended to Liverpool because of the prospect of more playing time. Bild reported that he received no guarantees from Bayern Munich about his role, which 'did not finally resolve'.
Bayern reportedly intended to give priority to Jamal Musiala, who recently expanded his contract, above Wirtz. Wirtz left this with a choice between Liverpool and Manchester City.
During provisional discussions, both clubs reportedly promised Wirtz 'a central role in attack', before he finally decided Liverpool. With negotiations that are assumed to move forward behind closed doors, a resolution can be imminent.