Former Liverpool goalkeeper Sander Westerveld has thrown his weight behind the club's recent acquisition of Florian Wirtz, confidently asserting that the young German playmaker is worth every penny of his reported £100 million transfer fee. The Premier League champions made a significant statement by shattering their previous transfer record, which was the £85 million deal for Darwin Nunez, to secure Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.
Westerveld, who was speaking at the opening of a Cruyff Court named after him at Liverpool's Lakeside School, which caters to pupils with additional learning needs, described Wirtz as a "little magician" and suggested he could be a transformative signing for the club. "He's definitely worth the money, he's a little magician," Westerveld told the PA news agency. "I don't want to compare him with other players but he is definitely going to be one of the most exciting players next season."
The acquisition of Wirtz, coupled with the expected arrival of Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, his Leverkusen teammate Jeremie Frimpong and Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, will push Liverpool's spending beyond £200 million this transfer window. This marks the largest investment by owners Fenway Sports Group since 2018, signalling a clear intent to bolster the squad and maintain their position at the top of English football.
Westerveld believes that this significant outlay was necessary and timely. "Finally, you would say," added Westerveld. "Last season they only bought (Federico) Chiesa, so they haven't spent in the last couple of years as other teams have but I think it was the right moment now. They said all the time 'We only spend a lot of our money on players who are adding to the team' and if you see (Florian) Wirtz, (Jeremie) Frimpong and (Milos) Kerkez they are really exciting players."
Florian Wirtz, 22, has established himself as one of Europe's most promising talents. His performances for Bayer Leverkusen have been consistently impressive, showcasing his creativity, technical ability, and eye for goal. Wirtz's market value is currently estimated at €140 million. He is known for his exceptional dribbling skills, passing accuracy, and ability to create chances for his teammates. His versatility allows him to play in various attacking positions, making him a valuable asset for any team.
Liverpool fans have reason to be excited about Wirtz's arrival. His addition to the squad will undoubtedly enhance their attacking options and provide a fresh dynamic to their play. With Westerveld's endorsement and the club's significant investment, the expectations surrounding Wirtz are high, but the young German appears ready to embrace the challenge and prove his worth on the Premier League stage. "Wirtz is one of the best players in Europe and that is really helpful for Liverpool and it's really exciting to see the team coming together now," Westerveld concluded, highlighting the optimism surrounding Liverpool's prospects for the upcoming season.