Florian Wirtz has struggled to make an impact at Liverpool after his move from Bayer Leverkusen, and former Spain international Gaizka Mendieta has an idea to help the German
Former Spain and Barcelona midfielder Gaizka Mendieta reckons Liverpool ought to consider exchanging Florian Wirtz for Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, insisting the Brazilian would thrive at Anfield. Wirtz has endured a difficult beginning at Liverpool following his £116million summer transfer from Bayer Leverkusen, managing neither a goal nor an assist across 11 Premier League appearances.
The 23-year-old has missed the previous two fixtures due to a muscle problem but might rejoin Arne Slot’s squad for Sunday’s Premier League clash at West Ham. Should he return, it remains uncertain whether he’ll feature in the starting XI given the ongoing scrutiny and criticism of his displays.
Meanwhile, Mendieta has proposed that Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso could assist Wirtz in reviving his career, given their previous collaboration at Leverkusen. Wirtz was there for five years – three of which were under the Spanish manager.
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“Florian Wirtz and Vinicius Junior in a swap deal. Why not? Honestly, why not? ,” Mendieta told Casinostugan.
“I see more obviously of Florian Wirtz at Real Madrid than Vinicius Junior at Liverpool right now, but I think a swap deal could suit them.
“We’ve seen it before, when a coach has a soft spot for a player, and they know they can get the best out of him, they want to work with that player again. He was a leader at Leverkusen and although there are a lot of what ifs, we’ve seen it before.
“The question at Real Madrid would be what position he would play and who he would replace. They already have a problem with the players that they have: Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde, so I think it’s crowded, especially in midfield.”
Mendieta added: “But we’ve seen how players and coaches have crossed paths again in the future, so who knows. Vinicius Junior could be a big success in the Premier League with the right support.
“When I mean support, I mean a club having faith in him, obviously he’s a fantastic player. The Premier League has a physical side, he’s obviously a strong player.
“I could see him having success. I would love to see Vinicius Junior in the Premier League. I think it would be a fantastic challenge for himself as a player.”
Vini Junior’s future has been amongst the biggest talking points at Real Madrid in recent months.
The Athletic have reported that discussions over fresh terms have hit a standstill, and the ‘picture has become complicated.’
Reports have indicated his relationship with Alonso has remained ‘strained’ which could influence his decision. The Brazilian is tied down until the summer of 2027.
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