Liverpool’s summer signing Florian Wirtz has become the most expensive flop in the Premier League this season. The 23-year-old, who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen for a then-club-record £116 million, has failed to deliver on the promise that saw him hailed as a future world-class playmaker. His form has been so poor that even Liverpool’s own hierarchy is questioning his future at Anfield.

Insiders have privately warned the club that selling Wirtz would be ‘crazy’ to contemplate—despite his struggles. Yet the pressure is mounting, particularly after Bayern Munich’s reported interest in the German midfielder. The Munich giants, who once eyed Wirtz as a potential signing, now appear ready to act if Liverpool’s patience wears thin. The January transfer window could be the decisive moment for Wirtz’s fate, with Liverpool’s front office torn between loyalty to a young talent and the need for immediate impact.

The contradiction is stark: Wirtz’s arrival was framed as a long-term project, yet his inability to replicate the creativity that made him Leverkusen’s standout has left Liverpool’s midfield exposed. His lack of influence in recent Premier League games—where Liverpool’s possession-heavy system has struggled without a true No. 10—has only deepened the debate over whether he fits Jürgen Klopp’s tactical demands. Some within the club now argue that a second No. 10, whether through a loan or permanent move, could provide the ‘magic’ missing from the squad.

Liverpool’s refusal to entertain Bayern Munich’s offer—at least for now—suggests a reluctance to admit defeat. Yet the reality is that Wirtz’s contract, which runs until 2027, could become a financial burden if he fails to improve. The Reds’ recent 1-0 win at West Ham, courtesy of Alexander Arnautović’s goal, did little to mask the underlying concerns. With the Premier League title race tightening and the Champions League campaign demanding more, the question isn’t whether Wirtz will leave—it’s when, and at what cost.