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VLADIMIR SMICER BELIEVES THE REDS SHOULD DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO BRING FLORIAN WIRTZ TO ANFIELD, WITH THE YOUNG GERMAN STAR REPORTEDLY IN THE MIDDLE OF A TUG-OF-WAR BETWEEN THE REDS AND

BAYERN MUNICH 12:11, 20 May 2025 Liverpool have been urged to push ahead with the signing of German star Florian Wirtz by ex-Red Vladimir Smicer. Smicer, who scored against AC Milan in the

club's famous Champions League final comeback at Istanbul in 2005, told Anfield chiefs that bringing Wirtz to Merseyside would be akin to when the club made transformational signings

like Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino. While Wirtz is one of Europe's most in-demand players, Liverpool were given a major boost in the race to sign the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder

this week after reports suggested that Manchester City have cooled their interest in the star due to financial concerns. The German playmaker had been identified as a primary target by Pep

Guardiola, but City have decided to walk away from a deal with a transfer fee in the region of £125million, reportedly presenting a stumbling block. This now leaves the door open for

Liverpool to secure Wirtz's signature, although landing the player won't be an easy task. Bayern Munich are expected to represent heavy competition for Wirtz, and Smicer, 51, is of

the opinion that Liverpool should have actually brought in the young German last summer. "If I could urge Liverpool to sign anyone this summer it would be Florian Wirtz, who is a

player that reminds me of Phillipe Coutinho," Smicer said to OLBG in the summer of 2024. "Liverpool fans love that type of player, Bobby Firmino was another player who was very

popular, so I’d go with Wirtz." Article continues below Wirtz featured 45 times for the Bundesliga giants this season. He played a key role in Xabi Alonso's side comfortably

securing qualification for next season's Champions League, scoring 16 goals and providing 15 assists. Wirtz's contract at the Bay Arena expires in June 2027 and reports suggest

that Reds have made it known to the Germany international, and his parents, that they would be a viable option if he fancies moving from his homeland. It was reported that Liverpool

officials met with Wirtz and his family when they jetted into the UK last week as Arne Slot's newly crowned Premier League champions look ahead to next season. Meanwhile, Liverpool have

moved quickly for Wirtz's Leverkusen team-mate Jeremie Frimpong. The right-back is expected to become a Liverpool player this week after undergoing a medical on Sunday ahead of a £30m

move from the German outfit. Article continues below Frimpong's arrival comes as the Reds look to move on from the pending departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid. Yet Slot

was typically evasive when discussing the Dutch international's move to Anfield after Liverpool's defeat by Brighton on Monday evening. "I think what we all know is the moment

we announce it," he said. "That is the moment to talk about it in general. We haven’t announced anything so no need to talk about anyone."