Former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann has delivered a stark warning to the club's record signing Florian Wirtz, claiming the German playmaker is running out of time to save his Anfield career.
Struggles Since Record Transfer
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder arrived from Bayer Leverkusen during the summer transfer window for £116 million, making him one of the most expensive signings in Premier League history. However, despite the enormous expectations surrounding his move, Wirtz has failed to score a single goal in the English top flight.
Hamann, who spent seven successful years at Liverpool between 1999 and 2006, expressed serious concerns about Wirtz's adaptation to English football. "Florian Wirtz has had opportunities to perform," Hamann stated in an interview with CoinPoker.com. "He's had chances in the last six to eight weeks when the team hasn't been firing from the start of the season."
Christmas Deadline Looms
The German international highlighted several matches where Wirtz featured but failed to make his mark, including games against Bournemouth, Newcastle and Burnley. According to Hamann, these were matches Liverpool probably didn't deserve to win but managed to secure victories regardless.
"I think he has until Christmas to show what he's worth," Hamann declared, setting a clear deadline for the struggling playmaker. He acknowledged the challenge Wirtz faces, noting that "the team isn't functioning at the moment" under manager Arne Slot.
Liverpool's poor form has seen them lose nine of their last twelve matches, adding pressure on all players, but particularly their marquee signing who was expected to transform their attacking fortunes.
Potential January Exit
Hamann didn't rule out the possibility of Wirtz leaving the club on loan in January if his situation doesn't improve. "Could he go out on loan from Liverpool in January? Yes," the former German international confirmed.
The pundit analysed Wirtz's playing style, suggesting the midfielder appears to be overthinking his game rather than playing with the natural flair he displayed at Leverkusen. "He's a player who learned to play football in the street, and that's how he played at Leverkusen," Hamann explained. "Now he no longer does that - he thinks too much."
Wirtz's work rate hasn't been questioned, with Hamann noting the player's willingness to track back and help defensively. However, he emphasised that the German was signed to influence games in the final third, an area where he has so far failed to deliver.
Liverpool, currently sitting twelfth in the Premier League table, face West Ham United on Sunday before matches against Sunderland and Leeds in the following week, giving Wirtz immediate opportunities to begin turning his fortunes around.
