Ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy thinks his former club would be making a “statement signing” if they manage to win the race for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz.

The Reds are regarded as one of the frontrunners for the German’s signature and, speaking exclusively to Walk On (courtesy of talkSPORT BET), Murphy said that it would be a very bold move from the Merseyside club:

“It would be a huge statement of intention of Liverpool to get Wirtz because he is a super talent, I mean, a really amazing footballer. I’ve been a little bit surprised, actually, that they’ve been linked because of the fee being so high. Now I know they didn’t spend last year, so obviously they’re cash rich, if you like, in terms of PSR and all that, so maybe they’re thinking he’s the missing piece.”

Murphy suggests that purchasing Wirtz would ring alarm bells among Liverpool’s Premier League rivals, such as Arsenal, Manchester City and others, who would be forced to follow suit with their own transfer business:

“They’ve already got Frimpong, it looks like Kerkez might happen, probably need another centre half but Wirtz is the type of signing, the statement signing that other teams will look at and think, ‘Whoa, we need to get busy because they’re already a hell of a good side’.”

“You could take someone off the street who doesn’t know football and show them a compilation of Wirtz and they’d be wowed. He’s got that wow factor, a bit like Musiala if you like, a little bit different, but, you know, every time you watch them play, they do magical things and the great thing about Wirtz as well… he’s great without the ball. His numbers around, winning the ball back in the opposition half is really high so that’s another great thing, a quality player who’s prepared to do the work so yeah, it’d be an amazing signing, but I think, like most Liverpool fans, I don’t want to get too excited by it in case it doesn’t happen.”

How much will Wirtz cost?

As Murphy mentions, the cost of signing the 21-year-old is substantial. Arne Slot’s side would have to smash their transfer record in order to secure his services.

Leverkusen’s current asking price is reportedly €150m (£126m). Reports suggest that the Reds are willing to go as high as €110m (£93m) so it remains to be seen if the gap can be bridged in future negotiations.

Are Liverpool genuine contenders for his signature?

Since Manchester City dropped out of the running earlier this week, the chances of Wirtz moving to Anfield have dramatically increased. However, there is still plenty of uncertainty.

At this moment in time, it is not believed that the player himself has made a decision on his future. He could join Liverpool, move to Bayern Munich or even remain at Leverkusen. The race remains wide open.

Click here to see Liverpool’s first team squad for the 2024/25 season