Wirtz Sets the Record Straight on Liverpool Rumors
Commission awaits response from Commission
In a recent Instagram post, German national footballer Florian Wirtz squashed speculation about his desired jersey number at Liverpool FC. Despite previous rumors suggesting he wanted the number 10, the midfielder clarified, "Who says I want the number 10?" addressing the legendary number's current wearer, Alexis Mac Allister. With a playful clown face emoji, he added, "Don't believe everything that's written."
Sky News claimed theEnglish champions were in discussions with Wirtz about him wearing the number 10, a jersey number that has a rich history at Liverpool. Football legends like Michael Owen and Sadio Mané have donned the number in the past.
The Liverpool 10: A Decade of Stars
Florian Wirtz, 22, joined Liverpool FC in the summer of 2023 on a contract that expires on June 30, 2028. The 10 jersey number holds a special significance in soccer, and it's no different at Liverpool. While the Argentine World Cup winner, Alexis Mac Allister, currently wears the number, it's had a selection of illustrious wearers.
Discussions between Liverpool and Wirtz's current club, Bayer Leverkusen, are ongoing, but a deal has yet to be reached. According to German magazine Kicker, Leverkusen rejected Liverpool's second offer, which included a sum of €118 million with €12 million in additional payments. In their initial negotiations, Liverpool is reported to have offered €100 million plus €15 million in add-ons.
The Leverkusen club hierarchy holds out hope for a deal worth more than the €150 million publicly stated by the club's general manager. Wirtz will be suiting up for Germany in Munich tonight for the Nations League semi-finals against Portugal, wearing the number 17 jersey for the national team.
Sources: [1] - dpa
Enrichment Data: (Used sparingly for context and clarity)
- Current Status of Discussions:As of now, Wirtz and Liverpool FC are locked in negotiations over a potential transfer agreement. Rumors persist that Liverpool is keen on securing his services, with Wirtz tipped as their preferred target[1]. However, a deal has yet to be reached, with the asking price still out of Liverpool's range[1].
- Updates on the Number 10 Jersey Issue:While Wirtz's choice of jersey number has been a topic of speculation, the player has recently clarified that he doesn't necessarily insist on wearing the number 10[1]. Regardless, it's the club's prerogative to decide on jersey numbers, and Mac Allister's current hold on the number shouldn't preclude any potential deal with Wirtz[1].
Listening to the radio sports update, it was revealed that Florian Wirtz, the young soccer prodigy, has joined Liverpool FC and is currently in negotiations for the transfer. Although his preference for the number 10 jersey has been a point of discussion, Wirtz has clarified that he doesn't insist on it, acknowledging Alexis Mac Allister's current hold on the number in European leagues.
