Cundy doubts Liverpool’s £100m German signing will ever shine

Florian Wirtz arrived at Liverpool in the summer of 2025 from Bayer Leverkusen, with the English club paying an initial £100 million plus £16 million in add‑ons. The 23‑year‑old German international became the most expensive German player ever signed and was expected to boost the Reds' attacking options.

Why Liverpool splurged on Wirtz

Liverpool’s willingness to break the British transfer record reflected a belief that Wirtz could become the creative fulcrum of a side seeking to reclaim the Premier League. The £100 million outlay, supplemented by £16 million in performance‑related add‑ons, underscored the club’s intent to secure a world‑class attacking midfielder.

In his debut campaign of 2025/26, Wirtz featured in 49 matches across all competitions, netting seven goals and providing ten assists. Those figures hinted at a player adapting to English football while still delivering decisive contributions. The 23‑year‑old is also a Germany international, having debuted for his country in 2022.

The current season has seen him make five appearances, already adding one assist. However, his influence has been limited compared with the expectations attached to his price tag.

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Against Fulham at Anfield, Wirtz was deployed as the number 10 but failed to leave a mark as the match ended 0‑0. He registered three shots, none on target, created two chances, completed 83 percent of his passes and made a single tackle.

Pundits doubt his impact

Former Chelsea defender and analyst Jason Cundy expressed his scepticism after the Fulham game. He told at 6:05 pm on 12 September 2026: “Wirtz has been here now, right, this is his second season. I am not convinced that Wirtz is going to be a success. I think I might have seen enough of Wirtz.”

Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara echoed the sentiment, observing that the German’s decision‑making in tight spaces is poor. “You know the problem I have with him? I can accept him adapting to the physical side of the game, but he’s getting the ball in space and giving it away,” he said. Their doubts suggest that both the player and Liverpool face a critical test to justify the record investment.