Ex-liverpool star Vladimir Smicer previously argued for bringing Florian Wirtz to Anfield, with the German attacker reportedly in the center of a tug of war in which Bayern Munich was involved
Liverpool was encouraged to sign Germany star Florian Wirtz a year ago by former Anfield Hero Vladimir Smicer. Smicer, who gave a goal against AC Milan in the Legendary Champions League Final comeback of the Reds in Istanbul in 2005, advised club bosses that the acquisition of Wirtz would be comparable to when they sign game changers such as Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino.
Although Wirtz is one of the most sought after players in Europe, Liverpool received an important boost this week in their attempt to sign the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder. Reports suggest that Manchester City has withdrawn from their interest in the star due to financial limitations.
The playmaker was reserved by Pep Guardiola as an important target, but City has chosen to leave a deal with an recommended transfer costs of approximately £ 125 million, which is said to be an obstacle. This development may make the way free for Liverpool to secure Wirtz's services, although it will not be easy.
Bayern Munich is expected to be a heavy competition for him, and Smicer, 51, wish Liverpool had to pick him up last summer.
“If I could encourage Liverpool to sign anyone this summer, it would be Florian Wirtz, a player who reminds me of Philippe Coutinho,” he told Olbg in the summer of 2024.
“Liverpool fans love that type of player. Bobby Firmino was another player who was very popular. So I would go with Wirtz.”
This season Wirtz is a striking performer for the Bundesliga -heavy weights and appeared 45 performances. His crucial role in the Xabi Alonso team to achieve a place in the Champions League of next season, was underlined by his impressive count of 16 goals and 15 assists, reports the Liverpool Echo.
With Wirtz's contract in the Bay Arena that runs until June 2027, it is clear that Liverpool has indicated the German international, and his parents, their interest in a potentially new house when he decides to leave his home country.
There were reports that representatives of Liverpool Wirtz and his family met during their visit to the UK last week, as the side of Arne Slot, fresh from securing the Premier League title, the preparations for the next campaign.
In the meantime, Liverpool has acted rapidly to secure the services of Wirtz's teammate Van Leverkusen, Jeremie Frimpong. The right back is about to connect the Reds this week after a medical on Sunday, with a transfer of £ 30 million from the German club in the pipeline.
The arrival of Frimpong comes as the Reds look to continue from the current departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid. Nevertheless, Slot was usually evasive when discussing the relocation of the Dutch international to Anfield after the 3-2 defeat of Liverpool by Brighton on Monday evening.
“I think what we all know, the moment we announce it,” he said. “That is the time to talk about it in general. We have not announced anything, so nothing about talking about someone.”