Transfer Centre

Bayer Leverkusen chief rules out January exit for Liverpool-linked Florian Wirtz

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 09 November 2023

Leverkusen chief rules out January exit for Liverpool-linked Wirtz

Bayer Leverkusen managing director Simon Rolfes rules out a January exit for star attacker Florian Wirtz amid reported interest from a number of clubs including Liverpool.

Bayer Leverkusen managing director Simon Rolfes has ruled out a January exit for star attacker Florian Wirtz amid reported interest from a number of clubs including Liverpool.

The 20-year-old has recently emerged as a possible target for Jurgen Klopp's side in the winter window due to the uncertainty over the long-term future of Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool's No.11 was strongly linked with a summer departure to Saudi Arabia and continues to be linked with a big-money switch to the Middle East despite the Reds' reluctance to lose their star player.

Klopp is believed to be a huge admirer of German compatriot Wirtz, who has developed into one of the Bundesliga's brightest prospects since breaking into the Leverkusen first team in 2020.

Wirtz has already featured 118 times for Leverkusen's senior side across all competitions, scoring 29 goals and registering 39 assists.

Germany midfielder Florian Wirtz passes the ball against the United States men's national team on October 14, 2023 © Reuters

Following a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an ACL injury in 2022, the attacking midfielder made his comeback during the second half of last season and contributed with four goals and eight assists in 25 games, and he has since made a bright start to the new campaign.

Indeed, Wirtz has scored six goals and registered nine assists in 15 matches across all competitions, with Leverkusen winning 14 of those as Xabi Alonso's men sit pretty at the top of both the Bundesliga table and their Europa League group.

Wirtz's impressive performances for Leverkusen have understandably caught the eye of several top clubs in Europe, with Liverpool expected to face stern competition for his signature from the likes of Premier League rivals Manchester City.

A recent report claims that the treble winners sent scouts to watch Wirtz score during Leverkusen's 3-2 win against Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga earlier this month, while Manchester United and Barcelona are also believed to be keeping tabs on the 12-cap Germany international.

Florian Wirtz celebrates scoring for Bayer Leverkusen in February 2022 © Reuters

However, interested suitors have received a blow in their pursuit of Wirtz as Leverkusen chief Rolfes has insisted that the youngster is not for sale.

Asked during an interview with German news outlet Kicker on Wednesday about an alleged £80m offer from Liverpool for Wirtz, Rolfes emphatically replied: "No, no one has approached us - and no one needs that."

Commenting on the alleged valuation of Wirtz, Rolfes added: "That's not an issue at all. We are a football club, and not a bank."

Wirtz, who is expected to play for Leverkusen in Thursday's Europa League group-stage clash with Qarabag, is under contract with the German club until the summer of 2027.