Florian Wirtz Eyeing Number 10 Shirt at Liverpool, But It’s Already Taken
Florian Wirtz has his sights set on wearing the number 10 jersey at Liverpool, as reported by Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Germany.
There was initial doubt when Arne Slot stepped into the managerial role at Liverpool following Jurgen Klopp’s departure. Given the Premier League’s challenging nature, many questioned whether Slot, coming from Feyenoord, would adapt successfully.
However, Slot silenced the skeptics by leading Liverpool to their second-ever Premier League title, clinching the championship with four games to spare. The Reds remained firmly in control of the league for most of the season.
Liverpool has wasted no time in strengthening their squad for a title defence. The club is targeting Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, after already securing the services of his teammate Jeremie Frimpong as a potential replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Wirtz, who has played his entire senior career with Leverkusen, appears open to a summer move — but he reportedly has one condition.
Wirtz’s Shirt Number Request
Wirtz, heavily linked with a move to Anfield, has requested the number 10 shirt — the same number he wears at Leverkusen. However, that number is currently held by Alexis Mac Allister, who has made a significant impact at Liverpool since joining from Brighton in 2023.
Wirtz is coming off a spectacular 2024/25 season, following a similarly outstanding campaign in which Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen completed an unbeaten domestic double.
If Liverpool secures the young German midfielder — still in his early 20s — it would send a clear message of intent to their rivals. While the shirt number preference is unlikely to derail any transfer, granting it would be a way for the club to accommodate Wirtz’s wishes.
In the event that the number 10 isn’t available, reports suggest Wirtz may settle for the number 27 instead. However, this number carries a less fortunate history at Anfield. Previous wearers like Darwin Nunez and Divock Origi struggled for consistency, and others such as Gregory Vignal and Haukur Ingi Gudnason are hardly remembered as legends.