Florian Wirtz Already Linked With Liverpool Exit After Just 10 Appearances

Liverpool’s £116 million summer signing Florian Wirtz is already facing intense scrutiny just months into his Premier League career — and astonishing reports from Spain now suggest the German playmaker could be on Real Madrid’s radar after a difficult start at Anfield.

Wirtz arrived at Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen with enormous expectations following a record-breaking season in Germany under Xabi Alonso, where he played a pivotal role in helping Leverkusen secure the Bundesliga title. But since his big-money move, things haven’t gone according to plan. The 22-year-old has yet to register a single goal or assist in his first 10 appearances for the Reds, sparking concerns about his adaptation to English football.

According to a report from Defensa Central, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso — who coached Wirtz at Leverkusen — has instructed Los Blancos officials to “keep a close eye” on his former protégé’s situation in England. The Spanish outlet claims Alonso’s “ultimate dream” is to bring Wirtz to Madrid, believing the midfielder could thrive once again under his guidance.

The report further suggests that Wirtz himself may be open to a move if his situation doesn’t improve. “He could look for a way out,” the article states, hinting that frustration may already be growing behind the scenes. The young German, once seen as one of Europe’s brightest talents, now finds himself battling both form and pressure at one of the world’s most demanding clubs.

For Liverpool manager Arne Slot, the speculation is both untimely and unfair. The Dutchman has publicly defended Wirtz on several occasions, emphasizing that the midfielder’s impact goes beyond mere statistics. Ahead of Liverpool’s upcoming clash with Manchester United, Slot once again urged patience.

“If you’ve been brought in for so much money, people look mainly at goals and assists,” Slot told Sky Sports. “But if you look deeper, he could already have six or seven assists. The passes he’s made have been brilliant — they just haven’t been finished. In the Chelsea game, for example, he came on and created an instant chance for Mo Salah that usually ends up in the net.”

Slot pointed to those fine margins as evidence that Wirtz’s performances have been underappreciated. “He’s been unlucky,” he continued. “But for a 22-year-old adapting to a new league, a new country, and a different style of play, it’s completely normal. The Premier League is intense, and not every player settles right away.”

Indeed, those close to Wirtz insist he’s been working tirelessly in training to adjust to the rhythm and physicality of English football. Sources within Melwood describe him as “determined and focused,” refusing to let early criticism affect his mentality. His teammates have also been supportive, with captain Virgil van Dijk reportedly telling him to “trust the process” and not get discouraged by the media noise.

However, fans’ patience has been wearing thin. Many expected Wirtz to be an instant creative spark alongside Salah, Núñez, and Díaz. Instead, he has found himself starting several matches on the bench, including the Merseyside Derby against Everton — a decision that raised eyebrows among supporters and pundits alike. Critics argue that Liverpool’s attack has looked disjointed at times, with Wirtz struggling to find his rhythm in the high-tempo transitions that define Slot’s tactical system.

Despite the slow start, few doubt Wirtz’s raw ability. His vision, control, and intelligence on the ball were instrumental in Leverkusen’s success last season. But English football presents unique challenges — faster pace, greater physicality, and less time on the ball — all of which can take time to master. Even stars like Kai Havertz and Timo Werner faced similar struggles when first arriving from the Bundesliga.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s reported interest adds an intriguing twist. Alonso, who knows Wirtz’s strengths intimately, sees him as a long-term successor to Luka Modrić — someone who could bridge the gap between Madrid’s experienced midfielders and its next generation. For now, however, Liverpool are not entertaining any discussions, confident that the young German will come good once he fully adapts to the demands of the Premier League.

Wirtz will have another chance to prove himself when Liverpool face Manchester United at Anfield this weekend. It’s a perfect stage for redemption — a high-pressure match where legends are made and narratives are rewritten. A strong performance could silence his critics and remind everyone why Liverpool fought so hard to bring him to Merseyside.

As Arne Slot summed it up: “Florian doesn’t need to change who he is. He just needs time. Once he finds his rhythm, everyone will see the player we signed.”

For Liverpool fans, the hope is that patience will soon pay off — and that Wirtz’s story at Anfield will be one of resurgence, not regret.