Liverpool's pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen's rising star Florian Wirtz has taken an intriguing turn, with reports suggesting the German playmaker could inherit the club's iconic number 10 shirt.
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder has been in scintillating form for Leverkusen this season, attracting attention from Europe's elite clubs. With Liverpool's current number 10, Alexis Mac Allister, potentially switching to his preferred number 8 next season, the famous shirt could be available for Wirtz should he make the move to Anfield.
Why the Number 10 Shirt Matters
The number 10 holds special significance at Liverpool, previously worn by club legends like John Barnes, Michael Owen and most recently Sadio Mané. For Wirtz, inheriting this shirt would represent both a huge honour and considerable pressure.
German football expert Christian Falk told the Mirror: "The number 10 shirt at Liverpool is one of the most iconic in world football. For Wirtz, it would be a dream to wear it, but also a massive responsibility."
Liverpool's Transfer Strategy
Liverpool's interest in Wirtz aligns with their strategy of signing young, technically gifted players who can develop under Jürgen Klopp's guidance. The Bundesliga star fits this profile perfectly, having already established himself as one of Germany's most exciting talents.
However, any potential transfer would likely have to wait until 2025, with Leverkusen determined to keep their prized asset for at least another season. The German club's sporting director Simon Rolfes recently stated: "We're planning with Florian for the long term."
What Wirtz Would Bring to Liverpool
- Creative flair in the final third
- Excellent vision and passing range
- Ability to score crucial goals
- Versatility across attacking positions
- Champions League experience
With Liverpool looking to rebuild their midfield following several high-profile departures, Wirtz could be the perfect addition to inject creativity and energy into their attacking play.
