Liverpool received the title in gorgeous vogue only a few weeks in the past, hovering far above Arsenal and Manchester Metropolis.
Since then, it has been a story of each woe and pleasure so far as the switch window is worried.
The market is not even open but, but it surely has been a hubbub of exercise at Anfield with Trent Alexander-Arnold saying his determination to depart and a swift substitute now set to reach within the type of Jeremie Frimpong.
However, their dealings with Bayer Leverkusen might not cease there with Florian Wirtz a precedence goal too.
The newest on Liverpool’s pursuit of Florian Wirtz
Information broke earlier within the week, courtesy of The Athletic’s David Ornstein, that Liverpool are fascinated by signing Wirtz this summer time.
But, there are some issues, not least that he may value over £100m, however the truth that Bayern Munich (the present favourites) and Manchester Metropolis additionally need to purchase his signature over the forthcoming weeks.
It is stated that Leverkusen would reasonably promote overseas – comprehensible given their current title rivalry with Bayern.
In keeping with stories, Wirtz has spoken to Slot however whether or not he can persuade the German to maneuver to Anfield simply as he did with Frimpong stays to be seen.
Liverpool’s most interesting Wirtz various
Because of this, the Reds might flip their attentions elsewhere. Reviews have steered that the out-of-contract Kevin De Bruyne is one possibility, whereas different claims point out Lyon’s Rayan Cherki desires to maneuver to the Premier League this summer time.
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An alternative choice could possibly be Argentine wonderkid Franco Mastantuono who at present performs for River Plate in his homeland.
In keeping with journalist Graeme Bailey, Manchester United have already held talks over signing the 17-year-old, doubtlessly set to set off his £38m launch clause.
Regardless of United’s enormous curiosity within the participant, the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool have additionally solid their eyes within the path of the attacking midfielder.
How Mastantuono compares to Wirtz
It goes with out saying that Wirtz could be the higher addition at this present second in time. Nonetheless, for a fraction of the worth, Slot may signal a really related participant who doubtlessly has a fair brighter future within the recreation.
Within the phrases of information analyst Ben Mattinson, Mastantuono has a “wand of a left foot capable of unlock defences and create moments of magic”. Able to enjoying off the proper and thru the center, it is clear to see the place the Wirtz comparisons emerge from.
The German celebrity can be left-footed, somebody able to enjoying off the proper or behind the striker. He has been nothing wanting sensational this time period, scoring 16 objectives and supplying 15 assists in 45 outings, a objective involvement each 1.4 video games.
By the use of comparability, Mastantuono six objectives and 4 assists in 17 matches in 2025, a contribution each 1.7 matches. For somebody so younger, that is a unbelievable return.
On the identical age, Wirtz was additionally making robust headway within the skilled recreation. Within the 2020/21 season, the younger German caught the attention by scoring 5 occasions and helping six in 29 matches.
Mastantuono is probably not doing that in Europe simply but, however the “particular, particular expertise” within the phrases of Mattinson has all of the instruments to turn into a real elite expertise.
Additional hailed as a “world-class expertise” by scout Jacek Kulig, the Argentine stacks up effectively in comparison with his older positional peer.
Mastantuono vs Wirtz | ||
|---|---|---|
Stat (per 90 minutes) | Mastantuono | Wirtz |
Targets | 0.36 | 0.38 |
Assists | 0.38 | 0.46 |
Pictures | 4.94 | 2.84 |
Key passes | 2.77 | 2.18 |
Progressive passes | 3.37 | 6.74 |
Shot-creating actions | 6.87 | 5.67 |
Profitable take-ons | 3.73 | 3.14 |
Progressive carries | 4.94 | 5.02 |
Stats by way of FBRef. | ||
Whereas Wirtz’s output for objectives and assists is at present higher, you may see the sheer degree of potential that the River Plate starlet has right here.
Regardless of his uncooked age, he is already having extra pictures per 90 minutes and his charge of shot-creating actions are by means of the roof.
He’ll solely proceed to get higher and as soon as he matures and develops additional, it is a objective and help machine within the making. Let’s simply say he may rival Wirtz for probably the greatest attacking midfielders within the recreation in a couple of years’ time.
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