Liverpool are intensifying efforts to sign Florian Wirtz, one of Europe’s brightest young stars, and they may have a clever plan to edge out the competition — by offering him his preferred shirt number.
The 22-year-old midfielder played a vital role in Bayer Leverkusen’s remarkable Bundesliga-winning season under Xabi Alonso. With his vision, composure, and intelligence on the ball, Wirtz has attracted interest from top clubs such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City. But Liverpool remain firmly in the race.
As Arne Slot gets ready to take over from Jürgen Klopp, the club is aiming to refresh its midfield, and Wirtz is seen as an ideal addition. While Leverkusen could demand around £120 million, Liverpool believe they can make a compelling case.
One possible advantage? The No. 27 shirt.
Wirtz currently wears that number at Leverkusen, and it’s now available at Liverpool after Darwin Núñez switched to No. 9. Though often underestimated, shirt numbers can hold deep personal value — particularly when tied to a player’s development and identity.
According to the Liverpool Echo, Wirtz has an emotional attachment to the No. 27, and offering it might help him feel an instant connection with the club.
This symbolic gesture, combined with Liverpool’s Champions League return, the chance to play under a new manager, and the prospect of lining up alongside stars like Salah, Szoboszlai, and Alexander-Arnold, makes for a strong pitch. Their recent Premier League title and renewed ambitions in Europe only add to the appeal.
While financial terms and footballing vision will ultimately drive the decision, Liverpool’s attention to personal details could tip the scales in their favor for one of the game’s most promising talents
