Liverpool gained 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 anxious.
The market is not even open but, but it surely has been a hubbub of exercise at Anfield with Trent Alexander-Arnold asserting his determination to go away and a swift alternative now set to reach within the type of Jeremie Frimpong.
However, their dealings with Bayer Leverkusen could 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 keen on signing Wirtz this summer season.
But, there are some problems, not least that he might price over £100m, however the truth that Bayern Munich (the present favourites) and Manchester Metropolis additionally wish to purchase his signature over the forthcoming weeks.
It is mentioned that Leverkusen would fairly promote overseas – comprehensible given their latest title rivalry with Bayern.
Based on reviews, 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 best Wirtz different
In consequence, the Reds could flip their attentions elsewhere. Studies have prompt that the out-of-contract Kevin De Bruyne is one choice, whereas different claims point out Lyon’s Rayan Cherki desires to maneuver to the Premier League this summer season.
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Another choice could possibly be Argentine wonderkid Franco Mastantuono who presently performs for River Plate in his homeland.
Based on journalist Graeme Bailey, Manchester United have already held talks over signing the 17-year-old, probably set to set off his £38m launch clause.
Regardless of United’s big curiosity within the participant, the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool have additionally forged 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. Nevertheless, for a fraction of the worth, Slot might signal a really comparable participant who probably has a good brighter future within the recreation.
Within the phrases of knowledge analyst Ben Mattinson, Mastantuono has a “wand of a left foot in a position to unlock defences and create moments of magic”. Able to taking part in off the suitable 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 taking part in off the suitable or behind the striker. He has been nothing in need of sensational this time period, scoring 16 targets and supplying 15 assists in 45 outings, a purpose involvement each 1.4 video games.
By means of comparability, Mastantuono six targets 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 similar 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 instances and aiding six in 29 matches.
Mastantuono might not be doing that in Europe simply but, however the “particular, particular expertise” within the phrases of Mattinson has all of the instruments to develop into a real elite expertise.
Additional hailed as a “world-class expertise” by scout Jacek Kulig, the Argentine stacks up nicely 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 |
Photographs | 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 through FBRef. | ||
Whereas Wirtz’s output for targets and assists is presently higher, you possibly can see the sheer stage 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 way of the roof.
He’ll solely proceed to get higher and as soon as he matures and develops additional, it is a purpose and help machine within the making. Let’s simply say he might rival Wirtz for among the finest attacking midfielders within the recreation in a couple of years’ time.
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