Liverpool's big-money summer signing Florian Wirtz is fighting to save his Anfield career, with former Reds midfielder Didi Hamann warning the German international could be shipped out on loan in January if his form doesn't dramatically improve.
Christmas Deadline for £116m Man
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder, who joined the Premier League champions for a British record transfer fee of £116million, has struggled to adapt to English football. Wirtz has yet to register a single goal or assist in the Premier League this season, contributing to a dismal run of form for Arne Slot's side.
Hamann has now revealed that the club has effectively set a Christmas deadline for Wirtz to prove his worth. "I think he's got until Christmas now to show his worth," Hamann stated in an interview with CoinPoker.com. "That is not easy because, as I said, the team is not functioning at the moment."
Team Struggles Compound Individual Woes
The pressure is mounting not just on Wirtz, but on the entire Liverpool squad. Manager Arne Slot is under intense scrutiny after overseeing a shocking run of nine defeats in just 12 games. This collective failure has made it difficult for any new signing to settle, though Wirtz's complete lack of goal contributions has made him a particular focus for criticism.
Hamann pointed out that Wirtz has been given ample opportunity, playing in matches against teams like Bournemouth, Newcastle, and Burnley. "He's had the chance for the last three months to perform," Hamann said. "What should make me believe he's going to do it now, because the team seems to be in disarray?"
A January Loan Exit Looms
The potential consequence for failing to turn things around is stark. Hamann explicitly warned that a temporary departure in the New Year is a real possibility. "If he doesn't do it from now until Christmas, I'm pretty sure that the club will get together with him and see what the best would be for both parties," he explained. When asked directly if Wirtz could leave on loan in January, Hamann's response was unequivocal: "Yeah."
This situation places immense pressure on the young German, who was expected to be a marquee signing following his departure from Bayer Leverkusen. With the clock ticking towards the festive period, his future at one of England's biggest clubs hangs precariously in the balance.
