Chelsea have reportedly played down suggestions that new head coach Xabi Alonso is targeting a reunion with Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz this summer. The German international starred under Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, winning the Bundesliga in 2024, before moving to Anfield for £116 million last year.
Wirtz's Difficult Debut Season at Liverpool
The 23-year-old managed seven goals and 10 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool during his first campaign in English football, but struggled to consistently impress. Despite his pedigree, Wirtz failed to replicate the form that made him one of Europe's most sought-after talents.
No Substance to Chelsea Rumours
Over the weekend, reports suggested Chelsea were monitoring Wirtz and could launch a bid depending on Enzo Fernandez's situation. However, according to football.london, those claims are wide of the mark, with Chelsea having no interest in bringing Wirtz to Stamford Bridge. The Blues are instead focusing on at least two first-team additions to strengthen Alonso's squad for his maiden season in charge.
The report also insists there is no truth to rumours linking John Stones, Ethan Nwaneri, Lucas Bergvall, or Wirtz with the club.
Klopp's Advice on Unlocking Wirtz's Potential
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp recently offered advice on how to get the best out of Wirtz. Speaking after Germany's nervy win over Ivory Coast at the World Cup, Klopp said: "The important thing is that we involve him in the game. There were moments against Curacao when I thought: 'Just give him the ball.' Not even because he was the best passing option, but because, as a team-mate, I want Flo Wirtz to feel good. If I were (Nico) Schlotterbeck, I’d just give him the ball five times for no particular reason and see what he does. If you really want Flo Wirtz to get into a rhythm, if you want the place to really be buzzing, then give him the ball, because that’s when the lad feels completely at home."
