Florian Wirtz drops huge Liverpool hint in angry response to transfer claims

Daily Mirror

2 days ago

Florian Wirtz has taken to social media to deny reports that he has requested the No.10 shirt at Liverpool ahead of a potential club-record move to the Premier League champions
Florian Wirtz has slammed speculation that he's eyeing the legendary No. 10 shirt at Liverpool - but the Bayer Leverkusen star has dropped a huge hint on his potential club-record move to Anfield.
The Reds are making a splash this summer, engaging in discussions to bring the playmaker to Anfield - with his German employers reportedly holding out for €150million (£127m). Two bids have already been rejected and, while transfer talks progress, Wirtz appears eager to join the English giants.
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Sparking controversy, it was suggested earlier in the week that Wirtz desired the iconic No.10 shirt, currently donned by Alexis Mac Allister at Liverpool. With two seasons wearing the number at Bayer Leverkusen under his belt, the rumour mill implied he'd fancy a similar setup at Anfield.
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Yet, the 22-year-old has emphatically shut down such suggestions with a heated denial. Posting on Instagram, Wirtz shared a written message saying: "Who says I want the 10? I respect players. Don't believe everything what's written," accompanying his words with a clown emoji as if mocking the claims.
His admission, however, does suggest that talks are still ongoing - and the player himself is aware of the speculation surrounding his future. Wirtz's potential claim on the shirt could have ruffled feathers, namely Mac Allister's, who was thrilled to snag the No.10 when he joined Liverpool a couple of years back.
In past comments, Mac Allister acknowledged the weight of the number, saying: "I know how important the No 10 is in football. I had the possibility to take the No 8 as well, which is a big number for this club because of [Steven] Gerrard, of course."
He then added, explaining his choice of shirt: "But I decided for No 10 because I used it a lot of times, in Argentina, in Brighton under-23s. It's a number I really like and that's why I chose it."
The shirt number that Wirtz will don at Liverpool remains uncertain, should his anticipated move to Merseyside materialise. Negotiations are still ongoing at the club level, with Bayer Leverkusen reportedly holding out for a fee in the region of £127million.
According to Sky Sports, Liverpool have already tabled an offer of around £105m. The report further suggests that Wirtz is keen on joining the Reds, despite attracting interest from Manchester City and Bayern Munich.
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Earlier reports suggested that Wirtz was leaning towards Liverpool due to the prospect of more game time. Bild reported that he didn't receive any assurances from Bayern Munich regarding his role, which remained 'not finally resolved'.
Bayern were allegedly planning to prioritise Jamal Musiala, who recently extended his contract, over Wirtz. This left Wirtz with a choice between Liverpool and Manchester City.
During preliminary discussions, both clubs reportedly promised Wirtz 'a central role in attack', before he ultimately decided on Liverpool. With negotiations believed to be advancing behind closed doors, a resolution could be imminent.