Gary Lineker debunks £116m Liverpool worry with verdict on Florian Wirtz
Florian Wirtz has had a sluggish beginning to life at Liverpool, but Gary Lineker remains confident the German midfielder will justify his record transfer fee and shine at Anfield.
The Reds launched their summer transfer activity by signing Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth a then-British record of £116 million. Despite the excitement that surrounded his move, Wirtz is yet to score or assist in the Premier League and was benched during Liverpool’s recent 2–0 win against Aston Villa.
Lineker’s faith in Wirtz
“Florian Wirtz is really good at football,” Lineker stated, emphasizing that the midfielder has already shown enough quality in the past to become a vital player for Liverpool.
The 22-year-old has faced rising scrutiny due to his quiet start, yet both Lineker and Micah Richards believe he has the attributes to succeed in England. The former Match of the Day host even described Wirtz as an “exceptional” talent who only needs time to adjust to the Premier League.
Richards on Liverpool’s spending and squad
“At the moment he is not up to speed for the Premier League, but they spent £100m on him, and 100% it was the right decision,” Richards said on The Rest is Football podcast.
Richards pointed out that while Liverpool invested heavily in new players, they also endured key departures that affected the team’s balance. He added that the absence of players like Trent Alexander-Arnold naturally leaves a gap in quality, but the club is now returning to the style and discipline that brought them success last season.
Author’s summary
Gary Lineker and Micah Richards have backed Florian Wirtz to overcome his slow start and justify Liverpool’s record £116m investment as he adapts to life in the Premier League.