Former Spain international Gaizka Mendieta has proposed a sensational solution to Florian Wirtz's struggles at Liverpool - a straight swap deal for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior.
Wirtz's Anfield Struggles
The German attacking midfielder has failed to make his mark since his £116million summer transfer from Bayer Leverkusen, managing neither a goal nor an assist across 11 Premier League appearances. The 23-year-old has missed Liverpool's last two fixtures with a muscle problem but could potentially return for Sunday's Premier League clash at West Ham.
Even if declared fit, Wirtz faces uncertainty about his starting position under manager Arne Slot, with his performances drawing significant scrutiny and criticism during his difficult adaptation to English football.
Mendieta's Bold Proposal
Mendieta, the former Barcelona and Spain midfielder, believes a player exchange could benefit both clubs. "Florian Wirtz and Vinicius Junior in a swap deal. Why not? Honestly, why not?" Mendieta told Casinostugan.
He elaborated that while he currently sees Wirtz as a better fit for Real Madrid than Vinicius for Liverpool, the swap could ultimately suit both parties. "I see more obviously of Florian Wirtz at Real Madrid than Vinicius Junior at Liverpool right now, but I think a swap deal could suit them."
The Xabi Alonso Connection
A key factor in this potential deal is Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, who previously worked with Wirtz at Bayer Leverkusen. The German spent three of his five years at Leverkusen under the Spanish manager's guidance.
"We've seen it before, when a coach has a soft spot for a player, and they know they can get the best out of him, they want to work with that player again," Mendieta explained. "He was a leader at Leverkusen and although there are a lot of what ifs, we've seen it before."
However, Mendieta acknowledged the challenge Wirtz would face breaking into Real Madrid's crowded midfield, which already features Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde, Rodrygo, and Vinicius himself.
Vinicius's Premier League Potential
The former Spanish international expressed strong belief that Vinicius Junior could thrive in English football with the right support. "Vinicius Junior could be a big success in the Premier League with the right support. When I mean support, I mean a club having faith in him, obviously he's a fantastic player."
Mendieta highlighted the Brazilian's physical attributes as particularly suited to the demands of English football. "The Premier League has a physical side, he's obviously a strong player. I could see him having success. I would love to see Vinicius Junior in the Premier League. I think it would be a fantastic challenge for himself as a player."
The speculation comes amid reports from The Athletic that contract talks between Vinicius and Real Madrid have stalled, with the situation described as "complicated." The Brazilian's current deal runs until summer 2027, and his reportedly strained relationship with manager Xabi Alonso could influence his future at the Bernabéu.
