Exclusive: Xabi Alonso’s future could have big bearing on Liverpool’s chances of signing £125m superstar

• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

It’s certainly rewarding to remember that Liverpool are already achieving so much under Arne Slot without really dipping their toes into the transfer market. 

Securing the services of Giorgi Mamardashvili for the future was a smart move by Liverpool, but Slot’s side didn’t change things for the here and now.

Instead, Slot reinvented the likes of Ryan Gravenberch, a player who feels like a new addition at the base of Liverpool’s midfield.

That being said, Liverpool’s patience this summer should pay dividends long term, and could perhaps lead to a serious effort to improve their squad in 2025.

One name who could be at the forefront of those plans is that of Florian Wirtz, who continues to shine at Bayer Leverkusen.

And with that in mind, TBR Football understands that Wirtz is waiting to decide his future until he knows what his manager Xabi Alonso is doing.

Florian Wirtz waiting to see what Xabi Alonso decides before planning next move

In the summer, Wirtz committed to another season with Leverkusen when Alonso turned down Bayern Munich and Liverpool to stay put.

Now, Wirtz is believed to be waiting to see what Alonso’s next move could be, which could very well sway his decision.

READ MORE: Arne Slot names the ‘very good’ young Liverpool player with a ‘bright future’

Bayern are desperate to land Wirtz given they want to pair him with Jamal Musiala, mirroring their attacking partnership for Germany.

However, interest is strong elsewhere with most of Europe’s elite keen on Wirtz, as they have been for the last couple of years.

Manchester City lead the chase in England, but Arsenal and Liverpool are also watching the situation closely.

Real Madrid are also huge admirers of Wirtz given they are strongly connected with his manager, Alonso, for next summer.

Therefore, the Spanish giants may ultimately hold the trump card in pursuit of Wirtz.

Wirtz could be Slot’s perfect number 10

Although the role is currently occupied by Dominik Szoboszlai, Liverpool do have the perfect spot for Wirtz, explaining their interest.

Wirtz, although a fairly versatile talent, has thrived as a number 10 under Alonso, putting himself among Europe’s elite.

Perhaps if he signed then Szoboszlai could play slightly deeper alongside Alexis Mac Allister or with the trip all rotating from game to game.

Wirtz could reportedly cost Liverpool up to £125m this summer, but as explained, the club might have a considerable transfer budget after a quiet 2024 in that respect.

Richard Huges will have big ambitions for Liverpool under Slot, and there’s no doubt that prizing a player like Wirtz away from Europe’s elite would be a huge sign of ambition.