Florian Wirtz Reveals how Arne Slot Convinced him to Join Liverpool | OneFootball

Florian Wirtz: ‘Liverpool Is the Place I Want to Be’

Liverpool have landed one of Europe’s most sought-after young stars in Florian Wirtz, prising the German playmaker from Bayer Leverkusen in a move that speaks volumes about their ambition under Arne Slot. With a Premier League title already under his belt in his first season, Slot is clearly shaping the squad in his image, and Wirtz is a marquee addition designed to elevate that vision.

The 22-year-old arrives from a resurgent Leverkusen side now led by Erik ten Hag, and his signing marks another strategic success for Liverpool’s recruitment team. Alongside Jeremie Frimpong, another Leverkusen alumnus, Wirtz adds flair, versatility and Bundesliga-bred sharpness to a squad aiming to retain domestic dominance and challenge in Europe.

Why Liverpool Felt Like the Right Move

“I feel very happy and very proud,” Wirtz told Liverpoolfc.com. “Finally it’s done and I am really happy.”

The attacking midfielder had several offers on the table and could have remained in Germany. But after discussions with Liverpool’s hierarchy, including Slot and Richard Hughes, the choice became clearer.

“I just thought that it was the right point in my career to make the next step and of course I wanted to get to a club that is from the top three in the world,” he explained. “I was really convinced by the people here, by the idea, and everything what the club offers me was really good.”

Crucially, Wirtz’s admiration for Liverpool wasn’t born in a boardroom, but on the pitch. The catalyst may well have been his humbling experience against Liverpool at Anfield last November. “It was really hard, we lost 4-0 and we had to run so much and lost almost every duel. I just wanted to be part of this team.”

Slot’s Vision Helped Seal the Deal

One of the decisive factors behind Wirtz’s move was the clarity with which Arne Slot outlined his role in the team. “He already showed me some scenes of how we want to play and how I could fit in the team. He was just telling me that I’m a player he really wants to have in his team.”

That level of preparation and personal attention from a manager who’s already delivered silverware impressed Wirtz. It also reinforced his belief that he could grow not only tactically but physically in the Premier League.

Photo: IMAGO

“I will improve my own personal level and physical levels because I think everyone knows that in Liverpool the players are machines – really strong and really physical,” he said. “But I see this also as an opportunity for me to get better.”

What Wirtz Brings to Liverpool

Wirtz describes himself as a creative force who relishes the challenge of unlocking defences. “The people say I’m a creative player, and I hope I can bring this creativity to the team and also the joy on the pitch. I try to make assists, goals and run for the team to defend.”

His friendship with Frimpong is an added bonus, both from a tactical and social perspective. Having played together at Leverkusen for years, their chemistry on and off the pitch could add an extra layer of fluency to Liverpool’s attacking transitions.

“He’s a really good player, a really good person, a really funny guy,” Wirtz said of Frimpong. “Of course he wanted me to join as well… it was maybe a small part that convinced me in the end.”

Looking Ahead to New Challenges

Stepping out of the Bundesliga was never going to be a decision made lightly. But for Wirtz, the draw of Anfield, the Premier League and the potential for European glory proved irresistible.

“I would like to win everything every year!” he said. “Last season they won the Premier League so my goal is for sure to win it again and also to go further in the Champions League. I’m really ambitious.”

He’s also conscious of the buzz among fans. “I saw it also on Instagram or everywhere else, that they are wanting me to come. I would say thank you for the support. I’m really looking forward to play in front of them and achieve together big things.”

Liverpool have made a statement with this transfer. In Wirtz, they have not only secured a supremely talented playmaker but also a player with the hunger to succeed, the self-awareness to improve and the mindset to thrive in English football.