Florian Wirtz's blunt five-word reply speaks volumes as Liverpool look to seal transfer
Liverpool are pushing ahead with their efforts to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen this summer, and the midfielder has already made his presence known.
Florian Wirtz has given Liverpool a glimpse of what they could be getting this summer with his fiery remarks in the media. The German international is high on Liverpool's wish list as they look to build for the future after clinching their 20th league title this term.
And the Reds are already making strides in their quest to secure reinforcements to successfully defend their crown next season, with Anfield chiefs triggering Jeremie Frimpong's £30million buyout clause - with confirmation of their first summer signing anticipated to land in days. It is reported that Liverpool have also reached out to Frimpong's Bayer Leverkusen colleague, Wirtz, to share their interest. However, Arne Slot's side have been warned to brace themselves in seeking his signature, with Bayern Munich and Manchester City also keeping tabs on the star, although the latter of the pair appear to have cooled their interest.
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It's hardly surprising that the 22-year-old is attracting such prestigious clubs, having made a name for himself by shining in Leverkusen's unbeaten domestic double last season. He has since scored 16 goals and provided 15 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions this campaign.
However, the midfielder's attitude and behaviour off the pitch should be as enticing as his world-class skills for a club with Liverpool's ambitions. Despite his seemingly reserved exterior, Wirtz is self-assured and doesn't feel the need to change others' perceptions of him.
His leadership qualities are evident among his team-mates, even though he may not be the most outspoken. Wirtz demonstrated his candid nature last summer when a TikTok video from the German national team went viral.
In the video, he ranked his favourite foods, saying: "Normal potatoes I would say are number one." This comment became a humorous talking point within German football, with fans superimposing potato images onto his face, and the quote even featuring in summer dance tracks.
However, Wirtz failed to see the humour in it. His mindset was clearly displayed in a succinct five-word response during an interview with Kicker, saying: "I don't find it entertaining." He added: "Especially those who know me - and myself - don't understand why that blew up."
Unlike some young talents who may develop inflated egos, Wirtz remains well-liked among his team-mates. Leverkusen's goalkeeper, Lukas Hradecky, praised him, saying: "He's a great baller and a bit cheeky, that helps him," and once encapsulated the midfielder's flair by remarking: "Flo is doing Flo things."
His former Germany boss Hansi Flick, who recently clinched La Liga with Barcelona, also spoke highly of the youngster's character. He said: "Florian is just a huge asset with his care-free nature. He's simply an outstanding technician, loves to play, is very creative, has a good shot, runs hard and is quick. He's the full package."
Elsewhere, BILD reported that Wirtz and his family are pushing for a Leverkusen exit this summer, with rumors of a verbal agreement with Bayern Munich circulating, only to be countered by skeptical German media. Meanwhile, it transpired through the same publication that Wirtz's reps had entered discussions in England, originally thought to be at City with Pep Guardiola, but was actually reportedly a Liverpool meeting according.
Though The Athletic indicates Liverpool might not be front-runners for the Bundesliga Player of the Season, they are on course to tie up a deal for Frimpong with a five-year contract.
