Liverpool target Florian Wirtz is ‘NOT for sale’ insists Bayer Leverkusen’s managing director… with the Reds ‘considering the £80m-rated wonderkid as a potential Mohamed Salah replacement’

• Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing German wonderkid Florian Wirtz 
• The Spaniard’s contract at Anfield expires at the end of the current campaign 
• Can Liverpool challenge for the title? Listen to the debate on It’s All Kicking Off

Liverpool target Florian Wirtz’s current club Bayer Leverkusen has ruled out a winter sale for their £80m-rated wonderkid. 

Jurgen Klopp’s side have reportedly entered the race for the 20-year-old German who is seen as a potential replacement and successor for Mohamed Salah. 

Wirtz has been in exceptional form for Bayer Leverkusen this season, collecting six goals and nine assists across all competitions, as Xabi Alonso’s side remain unbeaten and top of the Bundesliga after ten games. 

The German international is contracted until 2027, and the club’s managing director, Simon Rolfes has insisted that he is not for sale.

‘No, no one has approached us – and no one needs that’ – Rolfes emphatically claimed when asked about a potential transfer according to Kicker. 

Bayer Leverkusen’s managing director has insisted Florian Wirtz (left) is not for sale despite interest from Liverpool with Jurgen Klopp’s side reportedly keen on the £80m-rated star

Liverpool are reportedly considering Wirtz as a future replacement for Mohamed Salah who continues to be the focus of speculation over a future move to Saudi Arabia 

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He added that it ‘wasn’t an issue at all’ and when asked if Bayer would consider a sum of £80m, he added: ‘No we are a football club. Not a bank.’

As per Kicker, Florian’s father and advisor Hans-Joachim Wirtz has insisted his son will stay at the club until at least next summer’s European Championships in Germany. 

Alonso compared the 12-cap German international to Lionel Messi earlier this year, hinting as to why so many of Europe’s top clubs appear to be chasing him. 

The former Liverpool midfielder said: ‘There are good players and there are players who look good on the pitch. The player who looks good does things that are nice, but not necessarily efficient.

‘Why is Messi so good? Because he knows how and when to play simple passes. Messi says: “You’re in a better position? Here, there you have the ball!”

‘It’s not always about making the most brilliant move, but the best and smartest. Florian can do that. That’s why he’s so good.’

With rumours of a move to the Saudi Pro League for Salah persisting, there could well be an attacking vacancy to fill at Anfield in the coming months.

Liverpool are not the only club said to be interested in Wirtz however, with Man City, Bayer Leverkusen and Chelsea also said to be keen. 

Wirtz has scored six goals and registered nine assists for Bayer Leverkusen this season

Bayer Leverkusen boss and Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso compared Wirtz to Lionel Messi

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