Creative concerns at Anfield
Liverpool are facing scrutiny over the performances of Florian Wirtz, with speculation regarding the midfielder's long-term future at Anfield beginning to surface. The 23-year-old Germany international joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in 2025 in a package deal worth £116 million—a club-record investment—but has struggled to establish himself as a consistent creative outlet for manager Andoni Iraola’s side. The team's creative output has suffered; Liverpool currently rank joint-17th in the Premier League for big chances created this season.
The statistical output from Wirtz has become a focus for criticism. Across 55 appearances for the club, Wirtz has recorded five goals and 11 assists. Observers have noted a lack of chance creation, with reports indicating that the midfielder has yet to produce a 'big chance' for a teammate in the league this season. This shortfall contrasts with teammate Dominik Szoboszlai, who has already produced three. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, writing in The Telegraph, suggested that Wirtz must quickly adapt to the required standards, while former Germany international Dietmar Hamann stated that if current form persists, the club may eventually be forced to re-evaluate his position. Hamann remarked: "It will be interesting to see how he performs because if things continue like this in Liverpool, they'll eventually pull the plug. We'd have to ask those involved. I can only judge what I see, and what I see is a player who cost a lot of money, played poorly last year, and has had another poor start this year."
Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White linked
Amidst the discussion surrounding Wirtz, Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White has been identified in reports by FootballTransfers as a potential alternative. Gibbs-White has established himself as a central creative force at the City Ground. With the 26-year-old having recorded five big chances created this season, his profile is increasingly attracting attention from clubs looking to bolster their attacking midfield options.
Forest have previously set valuations for the midfielder in excess of £100 million, a figure that has likely grown following his 15-goal contribution last term. While the midfielder is a key figure at the City Ground, his form has positioned him as a player who continues to draw interest from leading Premier League clubs.
Iraola defends Wirtz
Despite external criticism, Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has publicly supported Wirtz. Speaking to Sky Sports following a recent performance, the Liverpool manager defended the midfielder’s contribution, stating: "He started the game slowly, I agree. The first minute was quite intense, and we were not quite with it, the duels in the middle. After that first phase, I think we improved. Florian has helped us also to improve." Iraola added: "In the second half, he was playing much better; he was finding better spots to receive and turn. Probably we haven't found the last part or moment to score, but I think I'm much more happy with his second half than his first one." The club has not confirmed any plans regarding a replacement ahead of the January transfer window.
