BREAKING: Ilkay Gundogan says Liverpool are close to landing a player with “world-best potential”!

In what could become one of the most defining transfer sagas of the summer, Liverpool are reportedly on the verge of securing the services of Bayer Leverkusen’s midfield sensation, Florian Wirtz. The deal, according to various credible sources including Fabrizio Romano, is said to be “agreed in principle”, with both parties reaching a verbal agreement. The total package, including performance-based add-ons, could soar to a mind-boggling €150 million (£127 million).

This potential transfer has already sent shockwaves throughout Europe, with Premier League rivals—particularly Manchester City—keeping a close eye on the developments. Given Wirtz’s rapid rise to prominence and his reputation as one of the most gifted midfielders of his generation, this move could tilt the balance of power in England’s top flight.

Among those heaping praise on the 21-year-old is former Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan, who recently described Wirtz as possessing “world-best potential.” Speaking on the TRS Podcast, Gundogan went a step further, claiming that Wirtz and Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala are destined to become world-class talents, cementing Germany’s midfield dominance for the next decade.

Gundogan’s sentiments carry considerable weight, especially given his stature and experience in elite-level football. His words were not just casual praise but a firm belief that Wirtz could dominate both club and international stages in the years to come. Having played alongside Wirtz for the German national team, Gundogan has seen his quality up close—and his endorsement has only intensified the buzz around this potential Anfield move.

Wirtz’s statistics from the just-concluded 2024/25 season further validate the excitement surrounding his potential signing. He netted 16 goals and provided 15 assists in 45 matches for Bayer Leverkusen, playing a central role in their push for domestic and European glory. His flair, intelligence, and composure under pressure make him the ideal candidate to refresh Liverpool’s midfield engine.

The German maestro isn’t just about numbers—he brings a rare blend of creativity and work ethic. According to advanced data from FBref, Wirtz ranked in the top 4% for successful dribbles per game among attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe. He also featured in the top 7% for both progressive passes (6.63) and shot-creating actions (5.53), showing his dual ability to carry the ball and split defenses.

Furthermore, Wirtz made it into the top 9% for assists per game and the top 20% for shots and non-penalty goals per 90 minutes. These metrics not only confirm his attacking threat but also highlight how complete a player he is becoming. He doesn’t just assist or score—he does both with consistency and class.

Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), appear ready to break the club’s all-time transfer record to bring Wirtz to Anfield. This would be a clear statement of intent under the new managerial direction post-Jürgen Klopp, showing that the Reds are serious about competing at the highest level both domestically and in Europe.

The Reds’ current midfield, though vastly improved after last summer’s rebuild, still lacks a central figure capable of unlocking stubborn defenses. Wirtz, with his spatial awareness and passing accuracy, could be the missing piece. His versatility to operate as a No. 10, an advanced 8, or even in wide attacking zones adds another layer of flexibility to Liverpool’s tactical options.

While the deal is not yet finalized, reports suggest that discussions have accelerated, and journalist Graeme Bailey believes it could be concluded by the end of the week. That timeline has only fueled fan speculation and anticipation.

If completed, Wirtz’s arrival would not only strengthen Liverpool’s squad depth but also send a psychological message to their closest challengers—especially Manchester City, who are reportedly admirers of the player but not actively pursuing him at this time.

His presence could even influence Mohamed Salah’s long-term future, giving the Egyptian king an elite creator to play off in what could become one of the most dynamic duos in world football. At just 21, Wirtz still has his best years ahead, and Liverpool would be investing in a long-term superstar.

What makes this move even more mouthwatering is the fact that Wirtz has already proven himself at the highest level, with stellar performances in the Bundesliga, Champions League, and for the German national team. His mentality, discipline, and maturity suggest he can handle the Premier League’s intensity with ease.

Liverpool supporters are already buzzing with excitement on social media, dreaming of what a midfield trio of Wirtz, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai might look like. That combination could provide the perfect balance of technical brilliance, pressing energy, and goal threat.

For manager Arne Slot, who recently succeeded Jürgen Klopp, signing a player like Wirtz would be the ultimate vote of confidence. It would not only signify the club’s backing of his project but also attract other top-tier talent who want to be part of the next great Liverpool era.

As it stands, the transfer is not yet official—but every indication points toward a blockbuster announcement on the horizon. If the deal does go through, Liverpool could very well be looking at the future face of their midfield and potentially their new franchise player.

Stay tuned, Reds fans. The Florian Wirtz era at Anfield may be just around the corner