Florian Wirtz issues statement on Liverpool contract talks | OneFootball

© IMAGO - Florian Wirtz Instagram

Wirtz contract demands

While the clubs remain in talks, it's been reported in Germany that Wirtz has laid out his demands to the Premier League side.

Among those requests was a reported desire to wear the No10 shirt - currently occupied by midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.

Sky Sport Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg stated on X:"Florian Wirtz would like to wear the number 10 shirt at Liverpool FC. He currently wears it at Leverkusen as well and the number 17 shirt for Germany.

"At the Reds, Alexis Mac Allister currently wears the number 10. LFC are very optimistic about reaching an agreement with Bayer 04 soon. Unless a Liverpool player is included in the deal, Leverkusen are demanding a fee of up to €140–150m."

'Don't believe everything what's written' says Wirtz

But the attacking sensation has hit back at those claims.

While indirectly confirming that talks had taken place with Liverpool, Wirtz took to Instagram to clarify that he had NOT asked for Mac Allister's shirt number.

"Who says I want the 10," he wrote. "I respect players. Don't believe everything what's written." And he followed that statement up with a clown face emoji - hinting at what he thinks of Plettenberg's reporting.

Liverpool will have to make a convincing pitch to both Leverkusen and Wirtz in order to get this deal over the line. The player is seemingly ready to make the move and become the key focus of Arne Slot's attack.

And happily for Mac Allister, he can retain his favoured shirt.