Florian Wirtz Could Lose Starting Spot If Form Doesn’t Improve
German star Florian Wirtz may soon find himself out of Liverpool’s starting lineup if he doesn’t start delivering more impactful performances in the minutes he’s been given.
After clinching the Premier League title in Arne Slot’s debut season, Liverpool went all out in the summer transfer window to strengthen their squad. Their most high-profile move was securing Alexander Isak for a British record fee, but the club also brought in Geovanni Leoni, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Hugo Ekitike.
Notably, Isak wasn’t the only major investment. Earlier in the window, Liverpool had already broken the transfer record by signing Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen — a player widely considered one of the most promising young talents in world football.
As expected, Wirtz has started all four of Liverpool’s Premier League matches so far, partly due to his pedigree and hefty transfer fee. However, his place in the starting XI may be under threat.
Under Pressure to Perform
Liverpool’s season has started in dramatic fashion, with the team securing all four wins in late, tense moments. Most recently, a stoppage-time penalty from Mohamed Salah earned them a 1-0 victory at Burnley. In that match, Wirtz once again struggled to make a significant attacking impact — a recurring issue in his early performances for the Reds.
While it’s understandable that Wirtz is still adapting to English football, the expectations tied to his £245,000-a-week wages and record-breaking fee have only intensified the scrutiny.
He wasn’t the only new signing to underperform against Burnley. Milos Kerkez was substituted in the first half after receiving yet another yellow card in what’s been a shaky start to his Liverpool career.
Competition Could Force Wirtz Out — For Now
Wirtz’s spot may become even more precarious once Alexander Isak is fully fit. The Swedish striker missed pre-season due to a transfer saga with Newcastle, but once match-ready, he’s expected to lead the line. This would allow Hugo Ekitike — who has impressed early on — to slot into a deeper role behind Isak.
If Ekitike continues to shine, Wirtz could find himself benched in favor of the Frenchman. While this may dent the German’s confidence initially, it might also give him the push he needs to settle and find his best form in a demanding league.
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