From having written Chelsea off as a medal contender this season, the fireworks of a game on Saturday against Bournemouth were good reason to change their minds. Chelsea under Xabi Alonso’s leadership are strongly reminiscent of invincible Bayern Leverkusen when they won the Bundesliga with a whopping 90 points in the 2023/2024 season.
An important reason for his success with Bayern Leverkusen was Florian Wirtz, who “fortunately” did not join him during Xabi’s short stay as Real Madrid manager.
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Chelsea have 10 points after 6 Premier League games, while leaders Arsenal before today’s match at Anfield with Liverpool against Manchester City have 15 points.
Chelsea are keeping tabs on Liverpool attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, who has been working with Blues manager Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen.
The “Reds” may sell the German star.
Wirtz has mostly been disappointing since his move from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool in the summer of 2025. Liverpool paid a total of £116 million to Bayer for Wirtz, making him the most expensive German footballer in history.
Wirtz has so far made 55 appearances for Liverpool in his career, scoring seven goals and providing 11 assists. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder is under contract with Liverpool until the summer of 2030.
According to CaughtOffside journalist Mark Brus in The Daily Briefing, Chelsea are keeping an eye on Wirtz.
Chelsea manager Alonso worked with Wirtz at Bayer and won the Bundesliga title with him in 2024.
There is also interest from Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich for Wirtz.
Brus wrote: “If Wirtz and Liverpool decide to go their separate ways in the near future, it is likely that Bayern will be first in line.
“But don’t underestimate Real Madrid or Barcelona either.
“One source even mentioned Chelsea as a club that is keeping an eye on the 23-year-old’s situation, but personally I have my doubts about him staying in the Premier League – it doesn’t suit him or Liverpool.”
Liverpool will NOT sell Florian Wirtz
TEAMtalk reports that Liverpool are not planning to break ties with Wirtz anytime soon.
We reported at the time that Bayern Munich are keen to sign the German star, but the Liverpool management are not giving up on him just yet.
“For now, Wirtz is still a very important part of Liverpool’s plans.
“Manager Andoni Iraola is eager to work with the talented German and intends to continue to give him opportunities to find his rhythm.
“The club’s preference is clear – they want to develop the player rather than consider an early exit.
“There is hope that a short break for Wirtz while he is on international duty can prove beneficial.
“Working under Jürgen Klopp with the German national team can help Wirtz relax, regain his confidence and come out of his shell.
“Staff at Anfield believe that a positive period away from home could see him return refreshed and ready to remind Premier League audiences of the quality that once made him one of Europe’s most exciting young talents.
“While outside interest is inevitable given his reputation, Liverpool’s focus remains internal.
“They are prepared to be patient, convinced that once Wirtz calms down completely, the form that lit up the Bundesliga will follow.”
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