Florian Wirtz Nearing £116m Liverpool Switch — Unusual Shirt Number Awaits
Liverpool are on the verge of securing a major transfer coup with the imminent arrival of German international Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. The 22-year-old, who recently turned down a move to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, is expected to complete his move to Merseyside this week after a £116 million deal was reportedly agreed between the clubs.
The move signals Liverpool’s intent to build on their success under new manager Arne Slot, who led the Reds to a record-equalling 20th English league title in his debut season. The club has already brought in Jeremie Frimpong as a successor to Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, while Milos Kerkez of Bournemouth remains a strong candidate to reinforce the left side of defence.
While fans eagerly await official confirmation and a first glimpse of Wirtz in Liverpool red, speculation has already begun over what number he’ll wear at Anfield.
Wirtz Likely to Miss Out on Iconic Number 10
At Leverkusen, Wirtz has worn the number 10 shirt — a symbol of creative brilliance. However, at Liverpool, that number is currently held by Alexis Mac Allister, who played a pivotal role in the club’s midfield and isn’t expected to give it up anytime soon.
As a result, Wirtz could revert to his original squad number at Leverkusen — 27 — which is currently vacant following Darwin Núñez’s switch to a different shirt number. The 27 shirt, although not among Liverpool’s most storied, may now gain new prominence if Wirtz dons it upon arrival.
A Rare Shirt With a Mixed History
The number 27 has been worn by only seven players in Liverpool’s history, according to Transfermarkt. The earliest recipients — Mark Gayle and Stephen Pears — never made a first-team appearance. Icelandic forward Haukur Ingi Gudnason also went unused during his time in the squad.
The shirt first saw on-pitch action in 2000 when French defender Gregory Vignal wore it during his short-lived spell. Swiss full-back Philipp Degen later took the number but struggled to make an impact.
Divock Origi is perhaps the most memorable number 27 in Liverpool history, having scored crucial goals — including in the 2019 UEFA Champions League final. His successor, Darwin Núñez, wore the number during his debut season, though his performances were inconsistent.
If Wirtz indeed inherits the 27 shirt, fans will be hoping he can redefine the number’s legacy at Anfield and become the next great name in Liverpool’s illustrious attacking history.