BBC pundit Micah Richards has thrown his weight behind Bayer Leverkusen's rising star Florian Wirtz as the perfect candidate to fill Mohamed Salah's boots at Liverpool, should the Egyptian king depart Anfield this summer.
The Ideal Heir to Salah's Throne
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Richards didn't hesitate when asked to identify Liverpool's dream replacement for their legendary forward. "If Salah does go, then you've got to go and get one of the best young players in the world," Richards declared emphatically.
"For me, that is Florian Wirtz. He is absolutely fantastic. He can play in that forward position, he can play as a number 10, he can play anywhere across the front line."
Wirtz's Spectacular Season
The 20-year-old German international has been setting the Bundesliga alight under Xabi Alonso's revolutionary leadership at Bayer Leverkusen. Wirtz has been instrumental in Leverkusen's stunning unbeaten run this season, contributing 11 goals and 17 assists across all competitions.
His performances haven't gone unnoticed, with Europe's elite clubs circling for the talented playmaker who seems destined for a big-money move in the coming transfer windows.
Saudi Interest Looms Large
The speculation around Salah's future intensified last summer when Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad tabled a staggering £150 million bid for the Liverpool icon. While the Reds resisted the temptation to cash in, the persistent interest from the Middle East suggests this saga is far from over.
Richards acknowledged the financial reality facing Liverpool, noting: "We know there's going to be big interest from Saudi Arabia again. If they come in with a big offer, it's going to be very difficult for Liverpool to turn that down."
Why Wirtz Fits the Liverpool Mold
The young German embodies exactly the type of profile Liverpool's recruitment team typically targets:
- Age Profile: At just 20, Wirtz represents long-term value and development potential
- Versatility: Capable of playing across multiple attacking positions
- Technical Quality: Exceptional ball control, vision and creativity
- Market Value: Significant resale value if he continues his development trajectory
With new sporting director Richard Hughes and the returning Michael Edwards overseeing Liverpool's transfer strategy, the pursuit of Wirtz could become one of the summer's most intriguing storylines.
As Richards succinctly put it: "He is the one." Liverpool fans will be watching Wirtz's performances closely as the transfer speculation inevitably builds in the coming months.
