Former Rangers striker Ally McCoist has warned Liverpool that paying the full asking price for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz may not represent value for money – as he called his £126m ($169m) valuation “crazy”.
The German international is reportedly attracting interest from Anfield transfer chiefs, as they look to bolster Arne Slot’s squad following a Premier League-winning campaign. The 22-year-old is also on the radar of Bayern Munich – with the German champions believed to be leading the race for the attacking midfielder.
Previously, it was claimed that Wirtz joined his parents on a trip to England to speak with representatives from both the Reds and Manchester City over a potential switch. However, it has since been purported that Pep Guardiola’s side have dropped out of the chase for the Leverkusen youngster’s services.
Now, former Rangers player and manager McCoist has given his verdict on the rumored £126m ($169m) price tag for the 29-time international. Discussing these claims as Liverpool also closes in on a deal for Bayer’s Jeremie Frimpong, he told talkSPORT: “Yes, for anybody (it is) – that’s my argument. Is he a good player? Yeah.
“Is he a top player? Yeah, but straight away if you can get three players at £40m or maybe an £80m and a £40m — yes is the answer to the question.
(Image: James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
The Scotsman continued: “I think that money could be better spent, I really do. Yes I like him as a player and he’ll make a difference in any side but it’s too much for me, it really is too much. I know the market has gone crazy but I still think the priority (should be a striker).”
Previously, departing Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso addressed the rumors regarding the attacker’s future at Bay Arena. He said: “Florian Wirtz didn’t tell me that he only wants to go to Bayern… this is not my information.
(Image: Pau Barrena/Getty Images)
Bayer midfielder Robert Andrich has also issued his colleague some words of advice, imploring him to resist the overtures of rivals Bayern Munich. He said: “Yes, of course there are a few comments along those lines. I hope he doesn’t leave, especially not to Bayern, because that would make them significantly stronger.
“But fundamentally, Flo is already very clear in his perception and his mind, and he also has a very good environment. So no matter what he ends up doing, he’ll have thought it through thoroughly. It would be best, of course, if he stayed with us.”
(Image: Pau Barrena/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, former Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole is among those tipping Wirtz for future superstardom, having compared the German to Jude Bellingham. He previously said on TNT Sports: “[He’s] Incredible. I’ve watched him three times this year now and he’s blown me away every time.
“He’s got a South American flair with a German efficiency about him. We’ve all heard of Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden, and (Jamal) Musiala.
“This lad will be new to the British viewers. Let me tell you, he is every bit as talented as those players. He could go on to be anything.”
