Florián Wirtz hits out at reports in strongly-worded Instagram post amid potential Liverpool move

Florian Wirtz has played down speculation over his shirt number demands at Liverpool as he continues to be linked with a big-money move.

The 22-year-old midfielder, who is widely regarded as one of the best young players in world football, is on the verge of joining the Premier League champions from Bayer Leverkusen.

Liverpool have already submitted an offer worth €130 million (around £109.6 million) for the Germany international, according to The Athletic, who claim it was an improved second bid.

Bayern Munich were interested, and Wirtz listened to his father and advisor Hans-Joachim by hearing their proposal in the flesh.

But he reportedly turned down their advances five days later after being left "completely captivated" by his experience at Liverpool and his discussions with Arne Slot, who was given permission to speak to the player.

Wirtz was also impressed by the passion displayed by both Liverpool and the club, according to BILD.

Earlier this week, Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg claimed Wirtz "would like" to wear the number 10 shirt at Anfield next season. "He currently wears it at Leverkusen as well and the number 17 shirt for Germany," he added in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

"At the Reds, Alexis Mac Allister currently wears the number 10."

The journalist went on to claim that Liverpool were "very optimistic" about reaching an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen in the not-so-distant future, and claimed the Bundesliga side are demanding a fee of up to €140–150 million for the midfielder.

Amid speculation around his future, Wirtz has appeared to pour cold water over suggestions that he wanted to take Alexis Mac Allister’s number 10 shirt.

Taking to his Instagram story, he wrote: "Who says I want the 10. I respect players. Don't believe everything what's written [clown emoji]."

Wirtz responds to reports about his shirt number demands. Image credit: Instagram/flowirtz

What should Liverpool fans expect from Florian Wirtz?

Nathan Tella, who is Wirtz's teammate at Leverkusen, has recently opened up on playing with one of the most talked-about players in world football.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “You can see the ability every time he gets on the ball. He’s one of those players in between the lines, he can dribble, he can create passes, he can score. For me as a forward he’s great to play with."

Tella added: "I’m happy that I’ve been able to play with him and I hope I can continue to still play with him.”