“It’s a Sensational Signing” – Gary Neville Reacts to Liverpool’s Move to Sign Florian Wirtz | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Bold Move for Florian Wirtz Leaves Gary Neville Stunned

It was always going to be a fascinating summer for Liverpool. Winning the Premier League title in your first season – as Arne Slot has just done – is not the kind of achievement that prompts a conservative approach in the transfer window. On the contrary, it gives you leverage, clarity and, crucially, time. Liverpool have wasted none of it.

The first domino to fall was Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose early departure fetched a £10million fee. That cash was almost immediately reinvested in Jeremie Frimpong, a high-octane right-back and arguably a natural successor. But that was only the beginning.

What has caught the attention of many, including Gary Neville, is Liverpool’s push for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz – a player widely regarded as one of the finest creative midfielders in world football. This is no tentative enquiry. Liverpool are all-in.

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Gary Neville Reacts to ‘Sensational’ Florian Wirtz Rumour

Gary Neville, not usually one to gush over Liverpool’s transfer dealings, admitted on the It’s Called Soccer podcast that he was “slightly surprised” by the scale of the Reds’ interest, calling it a “sensational signing” if it comes off.

“Wirtz would be a sensational signing,” Neville said. “I think when you’re talking about winning the league, what is it that improves you? The only thing that’s going to improve you when you win the league is signing world-class players or players that have got the potential to be world-class players. So signing Wirtz is fantastic.”

It’s worth noting Neville’s other observation – that Liverpool, having wrapped up the title early, were able to shift focus to recruitment without distraction. “They could start having their recruitment meetings very early,” he said, adding that “Slot deserves it, by the way. He waited 12 months for a player to sign.”

That sort of managerial commitment, matched with decisive boardroom backing, is what transforms a strong squad into a dominant era.

Florian Wirtz: Statement Signing or Smart Strategy?

Liverpool’s move for Wirtz is more than just a headline-grabber. It signals their intent not just to defend the title, but to evolve. Dominik Szoboszlai was the creative engine last season, but Wirtz offers something different – an elegance in tight spaces, a surgeon’s eye for the final pass, and crucially, a proven end product.

Last season, Wirtz registered 23 goal contributions in the Bundesliga. At just 22, he’s already considered among the best number 10s in Europe. It’s a signing that, on paper at least, fits perfectly into Arne Slot’s high-intensity, fluid midfield setup.

Slot may even push Szoboszlai into a slightly deeper role, as seen late last season against Brighton, in order to accommodate Wirtz’s flair and attacking instincts. It’s a tactical shift that could unlock another level of creativity at Anfield.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool’s Midfield Evolution Taking Shape

Frimpong’s arrival, the strong links to Wirtz, and reported interest in Milos Kerkez suggest that Liverpool are addressing their full-back depth and central creativity in one swoop. It’s smart squad management – but also ambitious.

Neville again acknowledged the strategic value: “Frimpong and then there’s talk of Kerkez as well, deals with their right and left back situations. So to get those three done quite quickly would be smart business.”

Slot’s system demands energy and intelligence. Wirtz brings both, with an added dose of flair. If the German does arrive, he’ll be walking into a dressing room that just tasted Premier League glory and is hungry for more.

Final Thoughts: Building a Dynasty, Not Just a Team

What’s most impressive about Liverpool’s summer so far is the clarity. There’s no dithering, no scattergun approach. They’ve identified targets who fit the philosophy and are acting early.

Neville may be surprised by the scale of the Wirtz bid, but few would dispute that Liverpool, under Slot, are acting like champions. The pursuit of Wirtz isn’t just about making a splash – it’s about ensuring that last season’s triumph is only the beginning.