Florian Wirtz is set to undergo his Liverpool medical on Friday as the German playmaker nears a transfer that could break British transfer records. The Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder will become central to manager Arne Slot\'s tactical vision at Anfield.
The 22-year-old primarily operated as a left-sided No. 10 under Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen but offers versatility across multiple attacking positions. Wirtz can function as a false nine or wide left, providing Slot with tactical flexibility for the upcoming campaign.
Liverpool\'s transfer business will continue beyond Wirtz\'s arrival, with Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez also expected to join. The club is building around Wirtz as their new creative fulcrum following Trent Alexander-Arnold\'s departure.
Wirtz\'s arrival creates uncertainty for several Liverpool players, particularly Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones. Szoboszlai, who played No. 10 last season with eight goals and nine assists in 49 appearances, may shift to a deeper No. 8 role to accommodate the German.
Harvey Elliott\'s limited opportunities could decrease further with Wirtz\'s signing. The young midfielder has been restricted to cup starts and substitute appearances, and his future at the club appears uncertain.
Slot demonstrated tactical flexibility last season, occasionally using a 4-2-4 formation with two attacking midfielders. This system could suit Wirtz perfectly, allowing him to roam freely and impact games from central areas.
The German averaged 32.4 passes per 90 minutes in the attacking third last season, ranking among Europe\'s top playmakers. His creativity and goal threat make him an ideal replacement for Alexander-Arnold\'s departed influence from deep positions.
Liverpool will likely deploy Wirtz as either a No. 10 or false nine, depending on whether Darwin Nunez remains at the club.