Florian Wirtz has dismissed assertions that he has requested the No.10 jersey. Liverpool , advising fans not to take everything written in the media as truth.
Liverpool are closing in on an agreement to sign Wirtz this summer after seeing his initial bid turned down for the Bayer Leverkusen player who is broadly regarded as one of the most promising young talents in European football.
Initially, Bayern was leading the race to secure a deal for Wirtz and held discussions with the attacking midfielder during the same day that Vincent Kompany’s team celebrated their Bundesliga championship in Munich.
However, Premier League winners Liverpool are growing more optimistic about reaching an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen regarding a transfer fee for Florian Wirtz. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich has admitted defeat in their pursuit of the 22-year-old.
It’s understood the Reds are willing to spend between €130m (£109m) and €150m (£126m) for Wirtz and the Germany international has already started house-hunting in the north west of England.
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On Monday, a report emerged from Sky Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg Wirtz reportedly asked for the No. 10 jersey on Merseyside, which is presently worn by Alexis Mac Allister.
At the beginning of the 2023/24 campaign, Wirtz assumed the No.10 jersey at Bayer Leverkusen and it has been suggested that he 'wants' to keep this significant number should he move to Liverpool.
However, Wirtz turned to social media to end his silence and counter these allegations tonight, stating: "Who says I'm after the 10... I have respect for players."
Don’t believe everything that’s written [clown emoji].
Wirtz is presently away on international service with Germany as they prepare for their Nations League semi-final against Portugal on Wednesday.
Ahead of the match, facing the press, Joshua Kimmich, the Germany captain, expressed disappointment upon learning that his compatriot declined an offer from Bayern Munich. in support of transferring to Liverpool.
‘He will have his own reasons for taking this decision,’ the Bayern midfield player said to reporters.
'I am hopeful this will prove to be the correct path for him.'
'If he were a Bayern player, I would have obviously wished for him to join our team.'
Meanwhile, Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann stated that a transfer to Liverpool would represent a 'significant advancement' in Wirtz's career progression. this summer.
"He messaged me. We traded some texts," Nagelsmann said to reporters when questioned about whether he offered any guidance to Wirtz.
'I shared my advice with him based on what I knew and believed, however, I informed him that I couldn't decide for him as my viewpoint might not be correct. Ultimately, he has the last say.'
'I didn't exclude any team; instead, I attempted to clarify matters for him and offer some advice.'
Nagelsmann added: 'I'm eager to learn about his choice. We often hear that matters are settled. It was mentioned this way with Bayern as well, saying it was finalized. Let’s see how it goes.'
'It hasn’t been officially announced, but if it involves Liverpool, it would be quite beneficial since he could play in his preferred position, with all the positives like a fantastic atmosphere and being part of an excellent team.'
'Bayer Munich wouldn't have been a poor choice either. It would've been great to see them [Wirtz and Musiala] play together, but Jamal and Flo can also gel well even if they're not at the same club.'
‘The most important thing is that he plays and continues to develop. If he feels that he would be better off at Liverpool, then he has to do it.’
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