Liverpool’s record signing Florian Wirtz has come under fire from former Arsenal and France midfielder Emmanuel Petit, who believes the German star himself would admit he’s not worth the £116 million price tag following a difficult start to life at Anfield.
The 22-year-old midfielder, who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen amid huge expectations, has struggled to make a decisive impact since his high-profile summer transfer. Wirtz is still searching for his first goal or assist in the Premier League and was recently dropped to the bench in key fixtures against Chelsea and Everton, sparking growing debate among fans and pundits.
Petit, speaking to BoyleSports, didn’t hold back in his assessment:
“The Premier League is a completely different challenge to the Bundesliga. Florian Wirtz is coming into a new culture and environment with significant pressure. Honestly, I don’t believe he’s worth the transfer fee, despite the respect I have for him as a player.”
The criticism comes at a time when Liverpool manager Arne Slot is under pressure to find the right balance in midfield. Wirtz, once viewed as a long-term successor to Philippe Coutinho in the creative role, has yet to showcase the spark that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after young talents.
According to recent reports, Xabi Alonso — Wirtz’s former coach at Bayer Leverkusen — has instructed Real Madrid scouts to monitor the midfielder’s situation closely ahead of a potential January loan move. While Liverpool are unlikely to give up on their record investment so soon, internal discussions reportedly acknowledge the need for patience as Wirtz continues adjusting to the Premier League’s intensity, speed, and physicality.
Despite flashes of promise in training and cup appearances, Wirtz’s slow adaptation has fueled concerns among supporters who expected him to make an instant impact. Many believe the young German is struggling with confidence, while others argue he simply needs time — much like other foreign stars who initially found the Premier League difficult.
For now, all eyes remain on Wirtz and how he responds to growing scrutiny. His next few performances could determine whether he begins to silence his critics — or face a turbulent first season on Merseyside.