Liverpool anticipates Wirtz reaching Salah's caliber, according to Slot's assertion
Liverpool FC has made a splash in the transfer market with the signing of Florian Wirtz, a highly-touted German midfielder, for a record-breaking £100 million (€116 million) fee. The deal, which includes potential add-ons that could raise the transfer fee to a British record £116 million (€135 million), has set the stage for an exciting new chapter in the club's history.
As the newcomer prepares to make his Premier League debut against Bournemouth on Friday, expectations are high for the 19-year-old, who will wear the coveted No. 7 shirt previously worn by Luis Díaz. Arne Slot, the head coach of Liverpool, has stated that Wirtz must reach the standards set by Mohamed Salah, the club's established world-class winger, to meet Liverpool's expectations of their new record signing.
However, it's important to note that Wirtz is not being brought in as a direct replacement for Salah. Instead, he is seen as a pivotal player around whom Liverpool can build their future attacking play, offering versatility and creative depth rather than just replicating Salah’s specific style.
Wirtz's adjustment to the Premier League has gone better than expected, according to Slot, who has compared the youngster's impact to that of Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker, two of Liverpool's most transformative signings in recent years. Despite not having played a league match yet by early August 2025, Wirtz has shown promising performances in Liverpool’s preseason friendlies and scored early in tour matches, indicating readiness to adapt to English football.
Liverpool's summer spending will exceed £300 million (€349 million) with the signing of Giovanni Leoni from Parma, as the club continues to bolster its squad. The Reds are also interested in adding Marc Guéhi and Alexander Isak to their ranks, although the specific roles and expected impacts of these players in the Liverpool squad have not been disclosed.
Slot has admitted that a more accurate gauge of Wirtz's abilities will come in the Premier League, and he believes that for Wirtz to have a significant impact, he must first demonstrate his ability to stay fit. The coach has also expressed his preference for Trent Alexander-Arnold to stay at Liverpool, but acknowledged the need to replace him as he left the club.
As Wirtz prepares to make his Premier League debut, he carries the weight of high expectations, symbolized by his record-breaking transfer fee and the No. 7 shirt. However, the young midfielder remains focused on integrating and improving in the Premier League, viewing it as a learning opportunity to become a better player.
In summary, Liverpool's signing of Florian Wirtz marks a significant step forward in the club's quest to retain its Premier League title and challenge for major honours. While Wirtz is not being brought in as a direct replacement for Mohamed Salah, he is expected to become a mainstay for Liverpool’s attacking future, while Salah continues to set benchmark performances in the present.
[1] Liverpool Echo
[2] The Guardian
[3] Sky Sports
[4] BBC Sport
[5] ESPN FC
Read also:
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
- Massive 8.8 earthquake hits off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting Japan to issue a tsunami alert.
