Wirtz is finished at Liverpool - but not even Chelsea can save him
Former Liverpool star Didi Hamann believes that struggling playmaker Florian Wirtz needs to get out of the Premier League.
The Germany international has failed to live up to the hype - and his massive €125 million price tag - since his arrival on Merseyside last year. Wirtz has produced a measly seven goals and 13 assists in 58 appearances for Liverpool.
He has faced huge criticism, primarily from club legend Jamie Carragher, who claimed at the start of the season that another poor year from the 23-year-old would "embarrass" Liverpool.
Carragher has repeatedly doubled down on his critiques of Wirtz and even suggested that people aren't being "harsh enough" in their assessment of his subpar performances.
To be sure, there have been some bright displays. At the weekend, he created the most open-play chances in the Premier League in half a decade as Liverpool beat Brentford in a chaotic game. But outings like this are the exception, not the rule.
Wirtz needs to leave England
New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has often jumped to the defence of Wirtz. Speaking to the press on Tuesday, the Basque voiced his annoyance with constantly having to talk about the German, even when he does well.
"I think he is coming in from two very good games," Iraola said. "He played really well at LASK away and the other day against Brentford. He helped the team a lot, in and out of possession, and I hope we can keep him there, no?
"You ask me basically every day about him, and we analyse and overscrutinise everything about him, but when he does well, also it is fair to say."
Wirtz's mixed form has given rise to speculation over his future. Bayern Munich, who tried to sign him before he joined Liverpool, are once again being associated with him, while there have also been sensational links with Chelsea.
Obviously, there is the Xabi Alonso connection. Wirtz played his best football under the Blues boss at Bayer Leverkusen, and it has been suggested that he could help the 23-year-old reignite his career.
This seems to be a non-starter, however. Wirtz is simply not a good fit for Chelsea, and they don't even have the space for another attacking midfielder. Moreover, Liverpool would surely not be keen to sell to a rival.
And according to Reds legend Didi Hamann, Wirtz probably has little interest in joining the Stamford Bridge club. If he is to leave Liverpool, he will surely look to get out of the Premier League altogether.
"In terms of Wirtz and his time in a Liverpool shirt, it's been tough, and I wanted to see Iraola get the best out of him," Hamann told GIVEMESPORT. "The manager said when he came in, he would play in the No.10 position, but his performance hasn't been better than last season.
"I know how talented he is and what he is capable of, but I think he has lost all faith and belief in his abilities. I don't think he believes he can cut it in the Premier League. I don't see it happening for Wirtz at Liverpool."
