Liverpool’s record-breaking summer signing Florian Wirtz may have joined Anfield with sky-high expectations — but it turns out his arrival came with one condition that’s now being blamed for unsettling the entire team.
According to former Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger, the German star’s demand during transfer talks forced Liverpool to change their midfield setup, a move he says “destroyed their balance.”
Wirtz’s Big-Money Move and Early Struggles
Liverpool made headlines over the summer when they splashed out £116 million to sign Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, edging out European rivals Bayern Munich in the process.
The deal set a new British transfer record — one they’d astonishingly break again just weeks later by signing Alexander Isak for £125 million.
But despite the fanfare, Wirtz’s first few months in England haven’t gone to plan.
The 21-year-old midfielder has yet to register a single goal or assist in his first ten Premier League matches, and his team’s early season form hasn’t been much better.
Liverpool endured a rough spell, losing six out of seven games before finally finding their footing with back-to-back wins against Aston Villa and Real Madrid.
Wenger Explains How One Demand Changed Everything
Speaking on beIN SPORTS before Liverpool’s clash with Madrid, Arsène Wenger revealed what he believes went wrong.
“Liverpool is an interesting example,” the legendary manager said.
“When Wirtz had to choose between Bayern Munich and Liverpool, he told Liverpool, ‘I’ll come to you if I play as a No.10. I don’t want to play wide.’”
Wenger claimed that to secure the deal, Liverpool agreed — but the consequence was disastrous. “They said okay, and they started him there.
But they destroyed their midfield — Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai. To play Wirtz, they took Szoboszlai out.”
According to Wenger, the turning point came when manager Arne Slot decided to revert to last season’s midfield setup.
“Against Aston Villa, they went back to their old midfield, and it worked,” Wenger noted.
“Now Wirtz has been told that if he wants to play again, he’ll have to do it out wide, like he did at Leverkusen.”
Slot’s Tactical Reset Begins to Pay Off
Wenger’s comments came just before Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Real Madrid, a game that showed glimpses of the Reds’ former solidity.
With Wirtz shifted wider and the familiar trio of Mac Allister, Gravenberch, and Szoboszlai back in midfield, Liverpool looked far more balanced.
Mac Allister even silenced his critics by scoring the winner, while Gravenberch marked his return to form with a goal in the previous game against Aston Villa.
The midfield seemed more settled, the defense more composed, and the energy levels noticeably higher.
If Slot continues with this setup, Wirtz may have to accept that his preferred No.10 role isn’t what Liverpool needs right now.
The Wirtz Dilemma and the Gakpo Effect
The big question now is where Wirtz fits in. Playing him wide could create another issue — Cody Gakpo, who’s been one of Liverpool’s most consistent attackers, also thrives on the left flank.
Slot may soon face another tough call about how to keep both players happy without upsetting the team’s rhythm again.
It’s a delicate balancing act, one that could define Liverpool’s season as they head into a tough run of fixtures.
All Eyes on Manchester City Showdown
Liverpool’s next test couldn’t be tougher. This weekend, they travel to the Etihad Stadium to face a red-hot Manchester City, who are flying high thanks to Erling Haaland’s unstoppable form — 17 goals in just 13 matches across all competitions.
Even with two clean sheets in a row, Liverpool’s backline will have to be at its absolute best.
For Slot, maintaining defensive discipline while finding the right balance in midfield will be key if his side hopes to stop City’s charge and keep their title hopes alive.