Florian Wirtz has publicly dismissed rumors that he demanded the iconic No. 10 shirt at Liverpool as part of a potential record-breaking transfer from Bayer Leverkusen. The 21-year-old German playmaker, one of Europe’s brightest midfield talents, is currently at the center of major transfer speculation linking him to the Premier League giants.

Wirtz Responds to Jersey Number Controversy

Reports originating from Sky Germany claimed Wirtz wanted the No. 10 shirt—currently worn by Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister—sparking speculation about internal squad tensions. However, Wirtz took to Instagram to shut down the rumors, stating:

"Who says I want the 10. I respect players. Don’t believe everything what's written."

He punctuated the post with a clown emoji, directly calling out the false claims.

The No. 10 shirt has traditionally been associated with creative maestros, and Mac Allister has previously spoken about the number's significance to him. Wirtz’s public clarification highlights his respect for fellow players and his disinterest in sparking controversy over jersey numbers.

Liverpool's €130 Million Offer Rejected

Liverpool have reportedly submitted a €130 million ($141 million) bid for Wirtz, which was swiftly rejected by Bayer Leverkusen. The German champions are holding out for a €150 million ($163 million) fee, which would make Wirtz the most expensive signing in British football history.

Despite the setback, sources suggest personal terms between Wirtz and Liverpool have already been agreed. The midfielder is said to be impressed with new manager Arne Slot’s vision, which reportedly includes deploying Wirtz in a central playmaker role—a position he thrived in under Xabi Alonso during Leverkusen’s Bundesliga-winning season.

Reds Eyeing €169M Double Swoop

In addition to Wirtz, Liverpool are also closing in on a deal for Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez. Reports indicate the Reds are “taking the last steps” to finalize a €169 million ($183 million) double swoop that could reshape the club’s future.

With the summer transfer window heating up, Wirtz remains Liverpool’s top priority. His ability to drive play, dictate tempo, and create scoring chances make him an ideal fit for Slot’s envisioned style.

Respect, Not Rivalry

Wirtz’s public denial of any dispute over the No. 10 shirt reinforces his grounded personality amid a high-profile transfer saga. While fans eagerly await official developments, his message is clear: he’s focused on football—not shirt numbers.

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