Florian Wirtz wants Liverpool transfer thanks to Mohamed Salah's 'days being numbered'

Wirtz could be the long-term replacement for Salah

Replacing Mohamed Salah as Liverpool’s chief goal provider is among the major motivational factors in Florian Wirtz’s decision to join Liverpool.

That’s according to German soccer expert Constantin Eckner, who feels the team will be built around the outgoing Bayer Leverkusen star in the years to come.

The Reds have agreed a deal to sign the 22-year-old for an initial $136 million (£100M), with a further $22M (£16M) depending on future clauses or add-ons.

It will be just the fifth £100M+ signing in Premier League history, and a record-breaking fee for the Reds.

But the consensus at Anfield is that the player is worth such an exorbitant fee given his performances over recent years, and his potential to continue developing.

Former Liverpool and Germany striker Karl-Heinz Reidle has described Wirtz as “a once-in-a-century talent”, and it’s no wonder the Reds faced competition from Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Manchester City to complete the transfer.

As for why Wirtz chose Liverpool, Eckner has provided further details.

Eckner

“What ultimately influenced his decision is that Arne Slot in particular offered Wirtz the best plan for the next couple of years, meaning Wirtz will be Liverpool's no.10 - the centrepiece,”

“Of course Mohamed Salah is still there, but how many more years will he play for Liverpool? His days are somewhat numbered.

“Then, Wirtz will be the centrepiece of the Reds attacking system.

"At Bayern, Wirtz would have been one of two playmakers alongside Jamal Musiala.

“These two play together for the national team, but still Wirtz wouldn't have been the main playmaker for Bayern - so I feel like that's something that influenced his decision.”

Just a few weeks ago, there was a feeling that Wirtz would remain in Germany next season, either joining Bayern or remaining at Leverkusen.

However, Wirtz was sold by Liverpool’s transfer strategy and sporting project, which resulted in him turning down approaches from elsewhere.

The transfer is expected to be confirmed next week after he undergoes a medical and signs his contract. Having shut on Tuesday, the window reopens on Monday and will remain so until it closes again in September.

Wirtz is expected to be Liverpool’s third summer signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Jeremie Frimpong and Armin Pecsi.

Giorgi Mamardashvili will also join from Valencia later this window, while talks are ongoing about Milos Kerkez’s possible move from Bournemouth.