Overview
- Fabrizio Romano said Monday there are no talks to sell Florian Wirtz and that Liverpool will not sanction a summer transfer for the 23-year-old.
- Wirtz had a mixed first season at Anfield after joining from Bayer Leverkusen for about €116m, recording roughly seven goals and 10 assists in 49 appearances while drawing criticism for inconsistent displays.
- Football Insider sparked reunion talk by reporting that Xabi Alonso wants Wirtz at Chelsea, but Romano and other reports say there is no formal approach and that Chelsea are not pursuing a player of that profile.
- Liverpool view Wirtz as an important asset who could improve markedly after a full pre-season, and the club expect a tactical reshuffle under Iraola to give him clearer central attacking responsibilities.
- What to watch next: whether Iraola’s system actually increases Wirtz’s touches in central pockets and his goal threat, and whether improved physical adaptation to the Premier League reduces the fan and media criticism he faced this season.