Liverpool appears eager to secure the signing of Bayer Leverkusen’s attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz this summer, potentially for a record-breaking fee. However, Brazilian star Neymar surprisingly admitted he doesn’t know who Wirtz is.
During a recent friendly between Santos and RB Leipzig — a match in which Xavi Simons, another Liverpool-linked talent, scored twice — Neymar featured in the first half before being substituted at halftime.
A clip from the match, which has since gone viral, shows Neymar looking confused when asked about Wirtz. When questioned whether he knew the German midfielder, Neymar simply responded “No,” with a puzzled look.
However, when Sky Germany asked Neymar about Jamal Musiala, he was quick to praise the Bayern Munich star, calling him a “crack” — a term used in football to describe a standout player, typically the central figure of a team, often the number 10 who possesses game-changing talent.
While Neymar may not recognize Wirtz’s talent, Liverpool certainly does. Wirtz had an outstanding season, tallying 16 goals and 15 assists, and is now valued at over $100 million.
Former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann weighed in during a Sky Germany broadcast, stating, “Florian Wirtz has made a decision, and I believe it’s the right one. There’s a lot happening at Liverpool under Arne Slot. From what I hear, they’re aiming to bring in two or three more players.”
Hamann added that Liverpool’s approach in the Wirtz negotiations has been impressive: “They’ve probably been in contact with Wirtz for weeks or even months, but no leaks — everything has been handled quietly and professionally. That likely left a good impression on Wirtz and his family.”
In addition to Wirtz, Liverpool is also eyeing Bayer Leverkusen full-back Jeremie Frimpong, who has a $39 million (£30 million) release clause in his contract, making the deal more straightforward.
Frimpong’s former Celtic teammate, Christopher Jullien, praised the defender this week, saying, “He’s performed at the top level against elite opposition with Leverkusen. I believe he’s ready for the challenge.”
Liverpool.com says: Neymar might not know who Wirtz is, but the German playmaker has already proven himself as one of the top talents in world football. If Liverpool can finalize a deal, it would be a major coup and a game-changer for their attacking lineup.