Florian Wirtz: Liverpool’s £116m Question
Liverpool signed Florian Wirtz for £116m in 2025, but early performances have sparked criticism. Analysts note the club’s struggles and Wirtz’s adaptation challenges, suggesting patience is needed.
By Felo News Desk · Published
When Liverpool paid £116m for Florian Wirtz in the summer of 2025, the expectation was clear: a world‑class creative midfielder would lift the club to another league title and a Champions League triumph. Instead, the German star has struggled to find his footing in the Premier League’s toughest environment.
Early Struggles and Fan Skepticism
Wirtz’s debut season has been marked by inconsistent displays. In Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at Newcastle, the 23‑year‑old managed only one assist in six games, prompting fans to question whether he and fellow nine‑figure signing Alexander Isak had earned their place. The club’s performance has been hampered by a loss of key players, a coaching transition, and the emotional toll of Diogo Jota’s death.
Former defender Jamie Carragher was quick to label the 2025 transfer window “the worst in Premier League history,” citing Wirtz’s lack of impact. Carragher’s criticism was echoed on a Sky Sports podcast, where he suggested that Wirtz’s contribution falls short of what Liverpool expected. Despite this, Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has shown a more measured view, acknowledging Wirtz’s slow start but praising his improvement in the second half of matches.
Statistical Reality vs. Perception
Data from Wirtz’s first season paints a mixed picture. In the 1-0 win at Bournemouth, he created three chances—the most for any Liverpool player that match—and won six of eight duels. However, his passing accuracy hovered at 70%, with 26 of 37 attempts reaching a teammate. He also lost possession 15 times, a statistic that can be misleading for a creative midfielder who often takes high‑risk passes.
In the 2-1 Champions League victory over Atlético Madrid, Wirtz’s sharp play earned him a near‑miss assist, and he was involved in several key moments across the season. Yet, his overall influence remains limited, with only a handful of standout performances in six appearances.
Background: A Proven Talent in Germany
Before joining Liverpool, Wirtz had a stellar record at Bayer Leverkusen. After a successful youth stint at FC Köln, he amassed 18 goals and 21 assists in 69 games over two seasons. He played a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s historic double in 2023-24, helping the club win the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and reach the Europa League final. In that season, he recorded 18 goals and 19 assists across 47 matches, making him one of the most productive midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues.
Wirtz’s resilience was also evident after a serious ACL injury in 2022, from which he returned to form and helped Leverkusen go unbeaten in the league. His performance at the 2026 World Cup, where he provided three assists in four games, further cemented his reputation as a creative force.
Looking Ahead: Patience and Potential
While critics argue that Wirtz’s early performances do not justify the hefty price tag, many analysts believe that six games are insufficient to judge a player of his calibre. Liverpool’s new manager, Andoni Iraola, is implementing a fresh system that could better suit Wirtz’s style. The club’s overall performance remains below its potential, suggesting that the team as a whole still has room to grow.
Historically, other high‑priced signings—such as Paul Pogba at Manchester United and Michael Ballack at Chelsea—failed to meet expectations, yet the narrative often hinged on the transfer fee. Whether Wirtz can rise to the challenge remains an open question, but the current evidence suggests that patience may be the best strategy.
Key facts
- Liverpool paid £116m for Wirtz in 2025 amid high expectations
- Early performances have sparked criticism from fans and pundits
- Statistical data shows mixed results: good chance creation but low passing accuracy
- Wirtz’s past success at Leverkusen and the World Cup highlights his potential
- Patience is advised as the club adjusts to new management and a new system
Why it matters
Assessing a high‑value signing’s early impact helps fans and analysts understand whether a transfer is a success or a risk, informing future club decisions and fan expectations.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Liverpool sign Florian Wirtz?
Liverpool aimed to add a world‑class creative midfielder to bolster their attack and secure another league title.
How has Wirtz performed in his first season?
He has shown moments of brilliance but overall struggled to consistently impact games, leading to criticism.
What is the current view of Liverpool’s manager on Wirtz?
Andoni Iraola acknowledges early struggles but notes improvement in the second half of games.
Sources
- [1] theguardian.com — originally reported as “Florian Wirtz does not look like a £116m player but it is early to write him off”
