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Liverpool plot club-record bid to sign an incredible upgrade on Wirtz
Liverpool’s summer transfer window under Arne Slot injected huge fear across the country, with the club spending heavily to bolster their title credentials in 2025/26.
The Reds won the Premier League last time around during the Dutchman’s first year at Anfield, subsequently leading to a £450m spending spree during the off-season.
During such a period of spending, Slot broke the club’s transfer record on two separate occasions, with Alexander Isak the most expensive arrival at £125m.
As a result of the funds spent, various areas of the squad were massively improved, but it’s so far been to no avail, with the club currently sitting in fourth place after 21 matches.
However, the hierarchy have another chance to back Slot during the current window, which has led to numerous players appearing on their radar at present.
Liverpool plotting club-record deal for European star
Over the last couple of weeks, Liverpool have been one of many sides credited with an interest in landing RB Leipzig attacker Yan Diomande during the winter window.
The Ivorian international has endured a phenomenal rise in 2025/26 to date, subsequently netting six times in the Bundesliga during his first 16 outings under Ole Werner.
As a result, the Reds are battling the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur for his signature, leading to a £100m price tag being mooted for his services.
Diomande isn’t the only player currently in their sights this window, with Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham once again firmly appearing on the club’s radar.
According to one Spanish outlet, the Reds are considering a €180m (£156m) bid for the England international – a deal that would be a new club-record.
It also states that the Spanish giants are currently not looking to offload the 22-year-old at present, even seeing the midfielder as untouchable and not for sale.
However, it also states that the Reds’ hierarchy are trying to convince the LaLiga club to enter talks and make a deal possible – but such a move appears unlikely.
Why Bellingham would be better than Wirtz for Liverpool
As previously mentioned, Liverpool spent a small fortune on new arrivals during the summer window, with Florian Wirtz just one player who made the move to Merseyside.
The German cost a reported £116.5m including add-ons – a deal that was a club-record – subsequently placing a huge amount of pressure on the attacking midfielder’s shoulders.
There’s no denying he’s failed to live up to expectations at Anfield to date, with the 22-year-old only scoring twice and registering four assists in his first 26 outings across all competitions.
Wirtz has shown glimpses of his Quaker over the last couple of weeks, subsequently registering three combined goals and assists in his last five matches for the Reds.
However, he’s ultimately struggled to hit the ground running, which could have played a part in the hierarchy’s decision to pursue a move for Bellingham this winter.
The Englishman has been one of Europe’s star performers in recent years, with a deal for the midfielder potentially taking the first-team squad to the next level.
When comparing his stats to those of Wirtz from the ongoing campaign, the Madrid star has dominated in key areas, showcasing why he would be a better player for the Reds.
Bellingham, who’s been labelled “world-class” by journalist Henry Winter, has completed more progressive passes and more passes into the final third per 90 this campaign.
Such numbers showcase his incredible ball-playing ability, whilst also possessing a more creative option than Wirtz, which could allow the Liverpool attackers to reach the next level.
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How Bellingham & Wirtz compare in 2025/26 |
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|---|---|---|
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Statistics (per 90) |
Bellingham |
Wirtz |
|
Games played |
15 |
20 |
|
Goals & assists |
7 |
3 |
|
Progressive passes |
9.1 |
6.4 |
|
Pass accuracy |
89% |
82% |
|
Passes into final third |
6.7 |
3.7 |
|
Take-on success |
56% |
50% |
|
Progressive carries |
2.5 |
2.1 |
|
Aerials won |
52% |
15% |
|
Stats via FBref |
||
The England international has also completed more of the take-ons he’s attempted, highlighting his impressive ability to get the ball into dangerous areas at any given opportunity.
His all-round dominance over the German is further reflected in his higher tally of progressive carries per 90 and a better aerial success rate – which could make him the perfect option for Slot’s side.
Bellingham can operate as a box-to-box option, or even as a number ten, which could make him the perfect fit for Liverpool’s interchanging three-man midfield system.
Whilst such a deal would cost a small fortune, it’s one that could help get the Reds back on track in the near future, potentially allowing them to dominate England’s top-flight once again.
As for Wirtz, he could well be on borrowed time if Bellingham does make the move to Anfield, with the German desperately needing to prove his worth in the games ahead.
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