“Do not believe everything you read.”
Florian Wirtz has dismissed speculation about a shirt number requirement at Liverpool, while he is still being linked with a record-breaking transfer.
Read: Chelsea to spend fortune on new goalkeeper – again
The 22-year-old midfielder, who is widely recognized as one of the world’s best young footballers, is on track to leave Bayer Leverkusen for the English champions.
According to The Athletic, Liverpool have already submitted a bid of €130 million for the German international – an improved second bid.
Bayern Munich were interested, and Wirtz followed his father and advisor Hans-Joachim Wirtz’s advice by listening to their offer personally.
However, according to reports, he turned down Bayern Munich just five days later, after being “completely captivated” by the experience at Anfield and talks with newly appointed Liverpool coach Arne Slot, who was given permission to speak to the player.
BILD reports that Wirtz was also impressed by the passion both the club and the city of Liverpool showed him.
Earlier this week, Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg claimed that Wirtz “wanted” to wear shirt number 10 at Liverpool. “He has this number in Leverkusen and number 17 in the national team,”
“At Liverpool, Alexis Mac Allister currently wears number 10.”
Plettenberg further claimed that Liverpool were “very optimistic” about reaching a deal with Bayer Leverkusen in the near future, and that the German club are demanding between €140-150 million for the player.
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Amid all the speculation, Wirtz has now seemingly dismissed claims that he wants to take over Mac Allister’s number 10.
In an Instagram story, he wrote,
“Who says I want number 10? I respect fellow players. Don’t believe everything you read [clown emoji].”
What can Liverpool fans expect from Florian Wirtz?
Nathan Tella, Wirtz’s Leverkusen teammate, has recently spoken out about playing with one of the world’s most talked-about footballers.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said:
“You see the quality every time he gets the ball. He’s one of those players who operates between the lines – he can dribble, create chances and score. For an attacking player like me, he’s fantastic to play with.”
Tella added:
“I’m happy to have had the opportunity to play with him, and hope I can continue to do so.”
