Man City Star Admits Florian Wirtz ‘Could be the Best in the World’ at Liverpool | OneFootball

Liverpool Closing in on Florian Wirtz as Gundogan Delivers Huge Praise

Liverpool may be preparing to make one of the most seismic transfer statements in years, with Florian Wirtz now heavily linked to a move that could shatter records at Anfield. The 22-year-old Bayer Leverkusen star is reportedly on the brink of joining Arne Slot’s Premier League title-winning side, in a deal that has even caught the attention of Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan.

According to Fabrizio Romano, a verbal agreement is already in place between Liverpool and Leverkusen, with a total package that could rise to €150 million (£127 million) including add-ons. Graeme Bailey has gone a step further, suggesting an official confirmation could arrive by the weekend.

Photo: IMAGO

The numbers are extraordinary. The excitement is growing. But perhaps most significantly, the endorsement from a rival’s top midfielder adds a compelling layer to what could become Liverpool’s most ambitious signing in the post-Klopp era.

Gundogan’s Words of Warning

City veteran Ilkay Gundogan, now plying his trade at Barcelona, did not mince words when speaking on the TRS Podcast earlier this year. His praise for Wirtz was unequivocal.

“They’re very close to world class. Maybe they are not yet there but they could be the best in the world in a short amount of time,” Gundogan said, referring to Wirtz and Jamal Musiala. “Of course, they have the potential and the quality. I played with them for the last two years in the national team and both of them have everything; they prove it with their teams and the national team. They are both great guys and great characters, so they will be there at one point.”

These comments resonate even more when you consider that Gundogan has played alongside Wirtz 16 times for Germany. His insights are rooted in experience, not hyperbole.

Wirtz’s Numbers Speak Volumes

Liverpool’s move to bring Wirtz to Merseyside looks set to be financially significant, but on the evidence available, it may also be tactically transformative. Last season, Wirtz delivered 16 goals and 15 assists across all competitions for Leverkusen. In total, he’s produced 57 goals and 65 assists in 197 games for the Bundesliga side — a level of consistency few in Europe can match.

The statistical profile only deepens the intrigue. According to FBref, Wirtz ranks in the top four percent across Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons per 90 minutes (2.89), the top seven percent for progressive passes (6.63) and shot-creating actions (5.53), and the top nine percent for assists (0.38). He also places in the top 20 percent for both shots (2.87) and non-penalty goals (0.38).

These are not just decent metrics, they’re elite. And at just 22, Wirtz’s upside could be frightening for rival Premier League sides — including Manchester City.

Slot’s Liverpool Project Gets Serious

Arne Slot’s debut campaign at Liverpool could scarcely have gone better, delivering a league title in his first season. But a manager’s true legacy is often shaped by how a squad evolves and refreshes. Bringing in a player of Wirtz’s calibre sends a message. Not just to Manchester City, but to Europe.

This is no longer a rebuild. It is an evolution. With Wirtz potentially slotting into a system already loaded with attacking threats and intelligent movement, Slot would be acquiring more than just a promising young midfielder. He’d be getting someone who can dictate tempo, unlock defences and, crucially, win big matches.

And while Gundogan’s compliments may have been intended as general praise, they will undoubtedly sting for Man City fans who would rather not see Liverpool strengthening with a player who “could be the best in the world.”