In the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 semifinal match between Germany and Portugal, held in the early hours of June 5, 2025, at the Allianz Arena, Florian Wirtz left Liverpool fans ecstatic with a stellar performance, helping Germany secure a thrilling 2-1 victory over a formidable opponent. The 22-year-old Bayer Leverkusen midfielder not only scored but also showcased his all-around brilliance, reinforcing why Liverpool are determined to sign him in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Wirtz’s Impressive Performance
In the match against Portugal, Wirtz was deployed as an attacking midfielder in Julian Nagelsmann’s 4-2-3-1 formation. He proved his exceptional talent with remarkable statistics:
1 goal: Wirtz opened the scoring in the 48th minute with a precise finish, capitalizing on a mistake by Portugal’s defense.
3/5 successful dribbles: He led the match in successful take-ons, showcasing his superb technical ability.
3/3 accurate tackles: Wirtz excelled not only in attack but also in defensive contributions, topping the tackle count.
9/16 duels won: He was the standout player in winning duels on the pitch.
32/42 successful passes: Wirtz achieved a 76% pass accuracy, including 2/2 perfect long passes.
2 ball recoveries: He demonstrated dynamism and excellent game-reading ability.
FotMob rating: 8.1, the highest in the match, earning him the Man of the Match award.
Despite Portugal’s comeback with goals from Francisco Conceicao (63rd minute) and Cristiano Ronaldo (68th minute), Wirtz’s performance left a lasting impression, particularly on Liverpool fans eagerly anticipating his potential arrival at Anfield.
Why Liverpool Are Ecstatic
Florian Wirtz has long been a top target for Liverpool. After dominating the Premier League in the 2024-25 season under manager Arne Slot, The Reds are looking to strengthen their squad to defend their title and compete in Europe. Wirtz, with his talent and versatility, is seen as the perfect fit to eventually replace Mohamed Salah, who is now 33 years old.
Creative flair: Wirtz is one of Europe’s brightest attacking midfielders, having won the Bundesliga Player of the Season award in 2023-24 with 10 goals and 12 assists. His performance against Portugal further highlighted his ability to create game-changing moments.
Character and maturity: Wirtz impressed by personally calling Bayern Munich’s manager Vincent Kompany to explain his decision to reject their offer in favor of Liverpool. This gesture showcased his professionalism and respect, further fueling Liverpool’s determination to sign him.
Fit with Arne Slot’s philosophy: Wirtz thrived under Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen, and his dynamic, possession-based style aligns perfectly with Slot’s tactics at Liverpool.
A Blockbuster Transfer in the Works
According to reliable sources, Liverpool have tabled an offer close to £110 million for Wirtz, though Bayer Leverkusen value him at £126 million. While Leverkusen rejected the initial bid, they reportedly believe the deal will be finalized before the 2025-26 season begins. Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, is leading negotiations, backed by the Fenway Sports Group (FSG), who have approved a substantial budget to bring Wirtz to Anfield.
Additionally, Wirtz was reportedly impressed by the atmosphere at Anfield and the state-of-the-art facilities at the Melwood training center during Leverkusen’s Champions League match against Liverpool in November 2024. This experience has made Liverpool his preferred destination over Bayern Munich or Manchester City.
Where Would Wirtz Play at Liverpool?
If Wirtz joins Liverpool, Arne Slot is likely to deploy him as an attacking midfielder or on the left in a 4-2-3-1 formation, where he can maximize his creativity and goal-scoring ability. He could also play as a No. 10 or winger, offering flexibility to Liverpool’s attacking line. With Trent Alexander-Arnold set to join Real Madrid in the summer of 2025, Liverpool are planning to rejuvenate their squad, and Wirtz is seen as the centerpiece of this project.
Conclusion
Florian Wirtz’s dazzling performance against Portugal not only propelled Germany to the UEFA Nations League final but also intensified Liverpool’s desire to secure the services of this gem. With his talent, maturity, and playing style perfectly suited to Anfield, Wirtz promises to be a shining star for The Reds, potentially leading them to further success across all competitions. Liverpool fans are eagerly awaiting the day Wirtz officially dons the red jersey, and if this transfer is completed, he could become the most expensive signing in Premier League history.