Bayer Leverkusen’s sporting director Simon Rolfes has rubbished claims suggesting that Premier League giants Liverpool have submitted an £80 million bid for Bundesliga sensation Florian Wirtz.
92 million euros is, of course, a colossal sum for a 20-year-old who only recently returned to action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with anterior cruciate ligament injury.
But, while highlight reels can be more than a little deceiving, you only need to witness the goal Florian Wirtz scored against Freiburg in October to realise what all the fuss is about. The Leverkusen wonderkid sloped this way and that, leaving a trail of Freiburg defenders in his wake before lashing home.
In fact, if you messed around with the colour and photoshopped Lionel Messi’s head onto Wirtz’s shoulders, you’d have been forgiven for assuming this was the eight-time Ballon D’Or winner in his Barcelona pomp.
Liverpool linked with Florian Wirtz
Almost every European giant worth their salt has been linked with the Bundesliga’s biggest talent in recent weeks. Liverpool, almost inevitably, are among them.
As far as Rolfes is concerned, however, reports suggesting that Liverpool have submitted an £80 million bid – or are about to – are nothing more than tomorrow’s fish and chip paper.
“No, no one has approached us, and no one needs that,” Rolfes tells Kicker. “That’s not an issue at all.”
Wirtz has six goals and nine assist in 15 games this season, the jewel in Xabi Alonso’s golden Leverkusen crown.
Bayer Leverkusen top of the Bundsliga
“There are good players and there are players who look good on the pitch. The player who looks good does things that are nice, but (they are) not necessarily efficient,” the Liverpool legend said of Wirtz back in January, drawing comparisons with arguably the greatest footballer who graced the planet (Goal).
“Why is Messi so good? Because he knows how and when to play simple passes. Messi says; ‘You’re in a better position? Here, there you have the ball!’
“It’s not always about making the most brilliant move, but the best and smartest. Florian can do that. That’s why he’s so good.”
Wirtz is one of a number of potential long-term Mo Salah replacements at Anfield. Alongside Jamal Musiala, Jarrod Bowen and Nico Williams.
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