Liverpool and Man City are reportedly battling for Florian Wirtz ahead of a transfer move (Image: Getty)
Liverpool and Manchester City will hold off signing Florian Wirtz with the Bayer Leverkusen wonderkid reportedly considered ‘off-limits’ in January. Wirtz is wanted by all of Europe’s biggest clubs but a transfer midway through the season is unlikely.
The 20-year-old forward is one of the brightest talents on the continent, leading to plenty of interest from the Premier League. He has been one of the shining lights in Liverpool icon Xabi Alonso’s overhaul at Leverkusen.
Wirtz has scored eight goals this season and has assisted a further 12 strikes. The German recovered from a serious knee injury midway through last season and has had a major impact since returning to full fitness.
Liverpool and Man City are believed to be ahead of the queue for Wirtz. However, a deal in January looks unlikely due to the mammoth cost.
Florian Wirtz has lit up the Bundesliga this season and has vast Premier League interest (Image: Getty)
According to The Athletic, Wirtz is ‘off-limits’ in January as neither top-flight club will make a major signing. City are unlikely to sign another creative attacking player due to the impending return to full fitness of Kevin De Bruyne.
Meanwhile, Liverpool will concentrate on strengthening Jurgen Klopp’s defence due to the long-term absence of Joel Matip. There could also be a move for a defensive midfielder if the right deal becomes available.
Wirtz would reportedly cost £80m and a move of that magnitude is more likely to take place in the summer. With Leverkusen four points clear at the top of the Bundesliga, Wirtz would surely want to see out the campaign with the German club to see if they can seal a shock title triumph.
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Man City head coach Pep Guardiola has played down the idea of completing major business in January (Image: Getty)
City boss Pep Guardiola insists that any business his side complete in January will be to fill the spots vacated by outgoing players. Midfielder Kalvin Phillips has been linked with an exit, with Newcastle reportedly keen on a loan deal.
“Right now I don’t have anything in my mind,” Guardiola said recently about his January plans. “It depends if they leave or don’t leave. Some players stay, some players leave. It depends on the squad, it depends on young players and if you can rely on them or not in some moments.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool are set to lose Mohamed Salah for most of January as the winger jets off to the Africa Cup of Nations. Should Egypt reach the final of the tournament, the Reds may be without their star player until mid-February.
