Liverpool Transfer Window Intensifies with Wirtz Real Madrid Links and Sallai Interest
Liverpool are poised for a potentially tumultuous summer transfer window as the club strives to secure Champions League qualification this season. Under the guidance of manager Arne Slot, the Reds are currently focused on reclaiming a top-four spot in the Premier League, having fallen short of their title-winning form from the previous campaign.
Reds' Form and Ambitions
After investing heavily in several high-profile signings, Liverpool have experienced inconsistent performances throughout the season. However, a recent upturn in results offers optimism for the future. The team is preparing to face West Ham United on Saturday, aiming for a sixth victory in their last seven matches across all competitions.
Florian Wirtz's Impact and Real Madrid Speculation
Florian Wirtz emerged as one of Liverpool's marquee acquisitions last summer, with the club securing his services in a £116 million deal from Bayer Leverkusen. The 22-year-old midfielder initially struggled to adapt but has since begun to showcase his immense potential in a Liverpool shirt.
Despite this progress, agent Volker Struth has disclosed that he actively campaigned for Wirtz to join Real Madrid during the previous transfer window. Struth, who has been involved in the player's marketing, revealed he contacted Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to advocate for a move that would reunite Wirtz with his former manager Xabi Alonso.
"During the period when a move to Liverpool or Bayern was being discussed, I called Xabi Alonso and told him: 'You have to take the lad from Leverkusen with you to Real,'" Struth stated in an interview. "Xabi replied, 'You don't have to tell me that, you have to tell Florentino Perez'. So I actually sent him a message."
Struth added, "That year, it simply wasn't the right time due to the squad and the budget. Even Real Madrid's coffers aren't always overflowing. But my wish remains that Florian will play there one day." Wirtz's official representative remains his father, Hans-Joachim, but this revelation adds a layer of intrigue to his long-term future at Anfield.
Roland Sallai's Father Claims Liverpool Contact
In other transfer news, the father of Galatasaray right-back Roland Sallai has asserted that Liverpool have already initiated discussions regarding a potential move. Injuries have plagued the right-back position for Liverpool this term, and Tibor Sallai believes his 28-year-old son could provide a solution.
"Roli feels good here [at Galatasaray], he loves the club, he doesn't want to leave at any cost, but I think he still has one big step left in his career, a really big club," Tibor Sallai told a Hungarian outlet. "From here he can only sign for a team that is truly one of the top teams in the world."
He continued, "Liverpool could be such a destination, and I admit, I wouldn't be surprised if this club change happened now, in the winter. I know that contact has already been made through a management office. I don't want to and I don't want to shout anything, but my son will really have a good chance in the summer, if there is an offer that is also beneficial for Galatasaray, to change country and level."
This development highlights Liverpool's proactive approach in addressing squad weaknesses as they aim to bolster their defensive options ahead of a critical period.
