Liverpool get public answer to reported £80m Florian Wirtz offer

Bayer Leverkusen director Simon Rolfes has given a public answer to talk that Liverpool want to sign Florian Wirtz.

It seems unlikely that Liverpool will be picking up Florian Wirtz anytime soon. Reports this week suggested there was an offer for the player - around £80m. That, however, has now been dismissed twice.

Bayer Leverkusen's managing director, Simon Rolfes, told Kicker on Thursday that there has been no bid. Not only that, but £80m wouldn't get you Wirtz.

"No, no one has approached us - and nobody needs to," said Rolfes. He then said there is no talk at the club of potentially selling the player in January, while also dismissing them wanting £80m.

Bayer Leverkusen 'are a football club', he said. As in, they'd rather have footballers than money.

Now, this shouldn't really shock anyone. The idea that Liverpool were readying £80m for Wirtz felt a little insane as the absolute last thing they need right now is an attacking midfielder. Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister should be enough for any team.

That's not to say that Wirtz isn't an outstanding talent. He's about as proven as you can get at 20 and is enjoying a brilliant comeback year at the heart of Leverkusen's impressive team under Xabi Alonso.

But Liverpool should have other priorities. A defensive midfielder tops that particular list - and they might have found the right option - while we imagine a defender will be on the way as both Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip wind down.

Moving for Wirtz would clog up an already congested attacking midfield area, while also taking funds away from the positions that need strengthening. So while there would be excitement at his addition, it's for the best that Liverpool aren't actually bidding here.

Not that we expect the rumours to disappear anytime soon. They never really do.