Florian Wirtz Warned He Made the Wrong Choice with £116m Liverpool Transfer Over Premier League Rivals

Ex-Chelsea Star Florent Malouda Questions Wirtz’s Move to Anfield as Spurs and Newcastle Are Tipped as Better Fits

There are always eyebrows raised when a rising star chooses their next career move, but when the player in question is Florian Wirtz, one of Europe’s most dazzling young playmakers, and the fee is a staggering £116 million, scrutiny naturally multiplies.

As the Bayer Leverkusen prodigy edges closer to completing a record-breaking move to Liverpool, former France and Chelsea winger Florent Malouda has stirred the pot. Speaking candidly this week, Malouda suggested that Florian Wirtz may have chosen the wrong Premier League destination — arguing that Liverpool, despite their pedigree, might not be the ideal environment for the German international to thrive in.

What Happened: A Long-Awaited Move for Florian Wirtz Is Finally Materializing

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After four seasons lighting up the Bundesliga, Florian Wirtz is ready for a fresh challenge. Since debuting for Leverkusen as a teenager, the 21-year-old has amassed a reputation as one of Europe’s most complete attacking midfielders — equal parts creativity, tenacity, and tactical intelligence. His dazzling 2023–24 season, which saw him rack up double digits in both goals and assists, only intensified the speculation over a summer move.

Liverpool, undergoing a post-Klopp rebuild under new manager Arne Slot, appear to have won the race, fending off interest from Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona. The allure of Merseyside, combined with Slot’s fresh tactical vision, reportedly played a key role in convincing Wirtz to sign on the dotted line.

But not everyone is convinced it’s the right fit.

Malouda’s Take: Florian Wirtz Should Have Chosen a Club “On the Rise”

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Florent Malouda, speaking on behalf of bet365 during the launch of their Club World Championship Tournament Predictor, made headlines with his firm stance: Liverpool, according to him, is not the best destination for a player of Florian Wirtz’s profile at this point in his career.

“I think Florian Wirtz has the profile to join a team that is on the rise,” Malouda said. “I think he would’ve been perfect to join a team like Newcastle, or Tottenham Hotspur — a team that wants to take that step up.”

Malouda believes that by moving to a project-driven club, where Florian Wirtz could be more central to the rebuild, the German star would’ve had a better platform to elevate both his game and market value. At Liverpool, he fears Wirtz might get lost among stars or not be given the responsibility his talent deserves.

The Bigger Picture: Where Does Florian Wirtz Fit in at Liverpool?

Liverpool are in the midst of a significant transition. Jurgen Klopp’s departure after nine storied years marks the end of an era. New manager Arne Slot has already made it clear that he wants to imprint his own identity on the squad. Signing Wirtz, with his energy, vision, and composure in tight spaces, is a powerful first statement of intent.

However, with an already crowded midfield that includes Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Curtis Jones, it remains to be seen exactly where Florian Wirtz slots in. Will he be handed the No. 10 role in Slot’s system? Or will he be used in a more hybrid position, as he often was under Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen?

Premier League Rivals: Would Newcastle or Spurs Have Been Better?

There’s no denying the upward trajectory of both Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Newcastle, backed by deep-pocketed owners and led by a tactically astute Eddie Howe, are building a balanced and ambitious side. With the likes of Bruno Guimarães and Alexander Isak already flourishing, a player like Florian Wirtz could have been a statement of their long-term intent to challenge for titles, not just top-four finishes.

Tottenham, on the other hand, seem revitalized under Ange Postecoglou. Their free-flowing attacking football and trust in young, dynamic talents could have offered Florian Wirtz a starring role. With James Maddison and Rodrigo Bentancur already operating in midfield, the German would have added an extra layer of creativity.

From Malouda’s perspective, joining either of these clubs would have given Florian Wirtz more of a blank canvas — a chance to help shape a team’s identity, rather than assimilate into an already established setup.

Did You Know? Florian Wirtz Was Once a Bayern Munich Target

Before Liverpool entered the picture, Florian Wirtz had been on Bayern Munich’s radar for over a year. The Bavarians viewed him as a long-term heir to Thomas Müller. However, concerns over game time, development pressure, and a desire for a “new challenge” outside Germany swayed Florian Wirtz’s camp.

Interestingly, Manchester City also explored a deal, with Pep Guardiola personally impressed by the midfielder’s versatility and game intelligence. But with Kevin De Bruyne still a pivotal figure and Phil Foden stepping into a more central role, Florian Wirtz feared he might struggle for minutes at the Etihad.

What’s Next for Florian Wirtz?

Liverpool are reportedly aiming to finalize the deal before June 20, hoping to integrate Florian Wirtz into their summer training camp in Austria. With Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez both linked with summer exits, there’s a strong possibility that Wirtz won’t be the only major signing the Reds make.

The big question now is: will Florian Wirtz silence the doubters and prove that Liverpool was indeed the right move? Or will Malouda’s warning ring true if the German talent fails to adapt to the unique demands of English football?

Only time will tell, but one thing’s certain — all eyes will be on Anfield when Florian Wirtz dons the famous red shirt.