Exclusive: Steven Gerrard keen to see 'big talent' Florian Wirtz join Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen
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Published 03/06/2025 at 14:28 GMT+1
Premier League champions Liverpool have wasted little time attempting to strengthen their squad this summer. Having already signed Jeremie Frimpong, they are reportedly pursuing his former Leverkusen teammate Florian Wirtz in a move that former Reds captain Steven Gerrard would be happy to see completed.
'A big talent' - Gerrard talks Wirtz pursuit, Slot impact, new Salah deal
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Steven Gerrard is backing Liverpool to get a deal done for Florian Wirtz, with the club heavily linked with a move for the Bayer Leverkusen star.
Reports last week suggested the Premier League champions had opened talks with the Bundesliga side over a potential multi-million pound transfer to bring the attacking midfielder to Anfield.
With the Reds seemingly front-runners for the talented 22-year-old’s signature, club legend Gerrard says they should look to seal the transfer.
Wirtz’s tally of 23 league assists for his club over the last two seasons is second only to Liverpool’s own Mohamed Salah (28), as he played a key role in the German side’s historic unbeaten Bundesliga title triumph in 2023/24 and second place this past season.
"There are rumours obviously, Florian Wirtz," Gerrard told TNT Sports. "A big talent, who's done fantastic for Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen.
"He's got a huge future in front of him, so if Liverpool is the place for him, let's hope we can make it happen."
| Big 5 European Leagues since 2023/24 | Assists |
| Mohamed Salah | 28 |
| Florian Wirtz | 23 |
| Alex Baena | 23 |
| Ollie Watkins | 21 |
| Michael Olise | 21 |
| Julian Brandt | 21 |
Stats via Opta
After storming to the title last season, the Reds have already been active in the transfer market this summer, bringing in Jeremie Frimpong - also from Leverkusen - and Gerrard expects more arrivals as the club look to maintain their newfound position at the summit of English football.
"I think you've got to fix the roof while the sun is shining," he said. "We never had a big summer window last year because we already had a team and a squad ready to challenge, but I think if you want to go to the next step, it's important to keep improving, keep pushing.
"Frimpong's done and there's obviously a lot of rumours swirling around really good, talented players. It looks like Liverpool are going to be the team to catch, and I have every confidence they are going to be stronger next year."
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Having led from the front virtually all season, Liverpool sealed a record-equalling 20th English top-flight crown with four games to spare and finished 10 points clear of Arsenal in second place.
The achievement was all the more remarkable given that manager Arne Slot secured the title in his first season in the Anfield dugout, a feat which impressed Gerrard.
"Incredible," he remarked on Slot’s debut campaign. "I think to follow in the footsteps of Jurgen Klopp and the job that he's done, I think he's fitted in seamlessly.
"Tactically, he's been a breath of fresh air, and to win the league in your first year is an incredible achievement, so congratulations to him."
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Van Dijk lifts Premier League trophy as Liverpool are crowned champions at thronging Anfield
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Despite the impressive campaign, the former captain warned the club and players not to rest on their laurels, and expects multiple challengers to their supremacy next season.
"It’s the most difficult league in the world. Liverpool will be well aware that City are going to come back, Arsenal are looking stronger again, the likes of Chelsea are building nicely, Newcastle, Villa are coming in behind.
"Liverpool will be well aware that they're going to be the ones that are hunted now. But evidence suggests that Liverpool are going to be strong in the transfer market, so Liverpool are the team to catch for sure."
He added: "I think you've got to be wary of City and Guardiola. The best manager in the world. They've done it four years on the spin, they lost Rodri, which was a big blow to them.
"I think with a fully fit squad, and they're going to recruit as well, the team that finishes above City will win it again and hopefully, that’s Liverpool."
'Lives and breathes the game' - Salah backed to continue stunning form after new deal
Potential new faces aside, Gerrard was also delighted to see the club tie down Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk to extended deals.
Although the Reds did see Trent Alexander-Arnold depart, Gerrard thinks keeping the duo of Salah and Van Dijk is more important than any new signing, as their experience will help the club continue to be successful.
On the former, Gerrard says Salah has the ‘hunger’ to build on an all-time great individual season in which he scored 29 league goals, registered a record-equalling 47 goal involvements in the league, and 57 in all competitions - more than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues this campaign.
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"They’re two very important players," said Gerrard. "Both world-class, both in peak condition.
"It was so important, arguably going to be the two most important signings in the next three to four years, because we want to continue to build on this league now and hopefully post more silverware in the next season.
"I think evidence suggests that he [Salah] is very consistent. He's scored goals every year he's been at Liverpool.
"We all know his professionalism. He lives and breathes the game, he's got the talent and he's got the hunger to continue to do so, and I’ve got every confidence in him."
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