Florian Wirtz Already Linked With Liverpool Exit After Just 10 Appearances

Florian Wirtz has been linked with a sensational move away from Liverpool following his underwhelming start in England.

Wirtz joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen for £116 million during the summer transfer window.

But he has yet to justify his hefty price tag, having failed to score or assist for the Reds in 10 appearances.

Wirtz started his side's opening games before being dropped for their clash against Everton, with the player struggling to adapt to the Premier League.

Ahead of Liverpool resuming their league campaign this weekend, a stunning report in Spain has claimed that Xabi Alonso has told Real Madrid bosses to keep an eye on the German playmaker.

That's according to Defensa Central, who state Alonso has 'asked Real to pay close attention to Wirtz's future at Liverpool'.

Florian Wirtz in action for Liverpool. Image: Getty

Alonso worked with Wirtz during his time at Bayer and was keen on signing him at Real until Liverpool secured his services.

Per the report, Alonso's 'ultimate dream' is to bring Wirtz to Spain, adding that the 22-year-old 'could also welcome this move as a solution to his current situation'.

'He could look for a way out' if he continues to underperform this season.

Florian Wirtz worked under Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen. Image: Getty

Arne Slot defends Florian Wirtz after failing to score or assist for Liverpool

Wirtz has been unable to register a goal or assist in 10 games this season, though he has shown glimpses of his ability.

Slot has defended Wirtz on numerous occasions and continued to do so ahead of their game against Manchester United on Sunday.

He claims Liverpool's No.7 has been unlucky and needs time to adjust to the Premier League.

"If you've been brought in for so much money, people look mainly at goals and assists, but I can tell you he could be on six or seven assists already," he told Sky Sports.

"If you look at the passes he's played to his team-mates which unfortunately didn't lead to goals, one of the greatest examples is the Chelsea game where after one minute [since coming on] he had this great flick to Mo Salah.

"For Mo, this is 99 times out of 100 a goal. I have to say 98 out of 100 because the last time he got a ball like this was against Atletico Madrid from Florian Wirtz, but Mo hit the post."

Slot added: "He's been a bit unlucky with the finishing when he's given his team-mates chances but, in general for a 22-year-old, it's quite normal that you have to adjust to going to another country let alone going to the Premier League."

Wirtz came off the bench in Liverpool's defeat to Chelsea before the international break and will be hoping for a spot from the start when they face Man United.