Liverpool’s marquee summer signing Florian Wirtz has insisted that his record-breaking price tag will not affect his performances as he prepares for his debut Premier League season.
The 22-year-old German attacking midfielder could become the most expensive player in British football history, with the total cost of his transfer from Bayer Leverkusen potentially rising to £116 million if all add-ons are triggered.
Despite the scrutiny that comes with such a fee, Wirtz remains calm and focused. Speaking to reporters after Liverpool’s pre-season friendly against Athletic Club, the former Bundesliga star made it clear that the financial side of the move is not something that concerns him.
“I just want to play football and how much money the clubs pay between each other, it doesn’t matter,” said Wirtz. “I came because I thought I could fit in this team and I am enjoying staying with these players. I am a player who needs freedom on the pitch and the manager gives it to me.”
Wirtz also spoke about his role in the team and how he hopes to contribute in the final third, adding: “I will try to find the right places to be and the right spaces to get on the ball and to be dangerous and create chances.”
Having spent his entire professional career in Germany until now, Wirtz admitted that moving to England has been a significant step, but one he is embracing. He praised the support of his new team-mates, many of whom are also recent arrivals, saying that having others to share the transition with has made settling in easier.
“They tell me it’s more intense and more physical and that every player is really strong, really fast,” he said of the Premier League. “I am really looking forward to play there and experience some differences to Germany, but I think there is also something I can learn that will make me better.”
Wirtz added that he is already looking ahead to the team’s title defence, knowing the difficulty of repeating such success. “The big challenge is to win the title again and it is the most difficult thing to do,” he said. “I will just try to create chances and work hard off the ball and run a lot to help make the team better.”
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Wirtz to see whether he can match the hype and deliver in one of the world’s most competitive leagues. If his attitude and early performances are any indication, Liverpool fans may have good reason to be optimistic.
