Liverpool: Matthäus opens the door to Florian Wirtz's departure

14.10.26 FT Champions League

LASK

3

:

Liverpool

6

Florian Wirtz is going through a difficult period at Liverpool, and Lothar Matthäus does not rule out a change of club in the future. Criticised after the Reds' recent struggles, the German attacking midfielder nevertheless retains the former international's support, with Matthäus believing that his current environment does not allow him to fully express his qualities.

Matthäus defends Wirtz and points to a collective problem

Liverpool's heavy defeat to Manchester City (0-3) reignited criticism of Wirtz, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2025. Despite the expectations surrounding his arrival, the German international has struggled to regain the influence he previously had in the Bundesliga. In his column for Sky Germany, Matthäus highlighted the difference between Wirtz's role with the national team and the one he occupies with the Reds:

With the national team, his teammates look to find him, as was previously the case at Leverkusen. At Liverpool, the players tend to favour other options, such as Dominik Szoboszlai or Alexander Isak.

For the former midfielder, Wirtz's difficulties therefore cannot be analysed solely from an individual perspective. The team's overall functioning and the way his teammates use him also matter.

Chelsea and Spain among the options mentioned

Matthäus believes that consideration of the player's future could become necessary if the criticism continues and he does not regain his freedom on the pitch.

There are clubs in Spain who would be interested, as well as another club in England: Chelsea, where his former coach Xabi Alonso is.

By contrast, he does not consider a return to Bayern Munich realistic in the short term, given the competition already present in the Bavarian club's attacking department. Wirtz remains under contract with Liverpool until 2030. At this stage, Matthäus's comments mention potential destinations without confirming the existence of negotiations or a desire on the player's part to leave.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr

Related teams and leagues

LASK

Liverpool

Champions League