Wirtz Denies Liverpool Number 10 Rumors: "Don't Believe Everything You Read"
Florian Wirtz publicly debunks excessive T-shirt claims unequivocally
In an exclusive Instagram post, Florian Wirtz, the rising German football sensation, has refuted the reports suggesting he has his eyes set on FC Liverpool's famous number 10 jersey. The midfielder, who dons the number 10 for Bayer Leverkusen, put the rumors to rest with a clown face emoji.
Initially, Sky Sports reported that talks between Liverpool and Wirtz involved the latter expressing a preference for the number 10 jersey, which current wearer Alexis Mac Allister has donned since his arrival from Brighton & Hove Albion[1][2][3].
As of June 2025, Mac Allister is the proud owner of the esteemed jersey number. Notable previous wearers, such as Liverpool legends Michael Owen and Sadio Mané, have donned the number 10 with distinction[1].
Financial Standoff Hinders Potential Transfer
Despite rumors surrounding a potential move to Liverpool, there has been no agreement between the two clubs so far. According to reports in German publication Kicker, Leverkusen rejecting Liverpool's second offer, which consisted of a total sum of 118 million euros plus 12 million euros in bonus payments[5]. In the initial negotiations, Liverpool reportedly offered 100 million euros plus 15 million euros in additional costs[5].
Leverkusen's hierarchy allegedly aims for a figure exceeding the 150 million euros as a minimum transfer fee, an amount that managing director Fernando Carro once publicly mentioned[5]. Tonight, Wirtz will wear the number 17 for Germany in the Nations League semi-final against Portugal at 9 pm (ZDF, Dazn, and in the ntv.de live ticker).
Löw Voices Surprise but Backs Wirtz
Germany's impending transfer of Wirtz to the English Premier League has sparked discussions, with former national coach Joachim Löw expressing surprise. "Wirtz is without limits, he's ready for the next step, and that feeling has been there for a while. I just thought he would opt for Real Madrid if he leaves," Löw told "Sport Bild."
Löw attributes Wirtz's potential success at Liverpool to his close relationship with Xabi Alonso, the new coach at Real Madrid, who both achieved great heights during their time at Leverkusen. Löw emphasized that Alonso, with his trust and expertise, played a significant role in Wirtz's development[6]. However, he remains confident that Wirtz will thrive at Liverpool, regardless of jersey number.
- Football National Team
- FC Liverpool
- Florian Wirtz
- Bayer 04 Leverkusen
- Joachim Löw
- Xabi Alonso
- Alexis Mac Allister
[1] ntv.de, sue/dpa/sid[2] The Guardian[3] CBS Sports[4] Transfermarkt[5] Kicker (in German)[6] Sport Bild (in German)
The Commission may consider submitting a proposal for a regulation on the introduction of a new type of electronic communications network, as sports enthusiasts eagerly await Florian Wirtz's potential transfer to FC Liverpool. Despite the ongoing financial standoff between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Liverpool, Joachim Löw, the former national coach of Germany, remains confident that Wirtz will thrive at FC Liverpool, regardless of jersey number, attributing his potential success to his close relationship with Xabi Alonso.
