Around this time last year, whispers began to emerge that Florian Wirtz—fresh off a starring role in Bayer Leverkusen's historic unbeaten campaign—could be destined for Liverpool.
The move seemed almost too perfect: a creative maestro joining a midfield already boasting the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, and Alexis Mac Allister, all of whom had played pivotal roles in delivering the Reds' 20th league title.
Wirtz was widely viewed as the first true marquee signing of the Arne Slot era, a player capable of elevating Liverpool's attack while gradually assuming greater playmaking responsibility as Mohamed Salah entered the latter stages of his Anfield career.
When the move was finally completed, making Wirtz the most expensive signing in Liverpool history at the time, the expectations were enormous.
Yet as the 2025/26 season unfolded and Liverpool struggled to find consistency, Wirtz found it difficult to establish himself as the transformative figure many had anticipated.
He finished the campaign with 17 goal contributions in 49 appearances across all competitions—an alright return by most standards, but one that fell short of the numbers expected from a player arriving with such fanfare and carrying such a hefty price tag.
Some underlying metrics, including his chance-creation figures, suggest he may have been unfortunate not to register more assists. However, the eye test often told a different story.
Too many matches passed Wirtz by, and there were stretches where he appeared to be adapting to the pace, physicality, and demands of English football rather than dictating games in the manner Liverpool supporters had hoped.
Fortunately for Wirtz, he will not have to spend the entire offseason reflecting on a disappointing first campaign at Anfield.
A World Cup rebound?
Instead, he has been handed the ideal opportunity to remind supporters exactly why Liverpool invested so heavily in him: a chance to take center stage for Germany at the World Cup.
The tournament field is packed with international heavyweights, from France and Brazil to a host of other contenders. Germany, however, will arrive as one of the favorites too, giving Wirtz a genuine opportunity to showcase his talents on football's biggest stage.
Surrounded by world-class teammates such as Jamal Musiala, Joshua Kimmich, and a talented supporting cast, the 23-year-old could find the perfect environment to rediscover the form that made him one of Europe's most coveted young players during Bayer Leverkusen's surreal run.
There is plenty of data to back that optimism, too
The midfielder found the net in Germany's most recent match against Finland on May 31, followed that up with a solid all-around display against Ghana on March 30, and produced arguably his most eye-catching performance of the year against Switzerland on March 27, recording two goals and two assists— accounting for every tally in a 4-3 win.
That display against Switzerland, in particular, offered a reminder of the qualities that made Wirtz one of Europe's most sought-after young talents.
Operating with confidence and freedom, he was at the heart of everything Germany did well in attack—exactly the type of influence Liverpool supporters have been waiting to see on a consistent basis.
Patience will pay off in the end
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has previously urged patience when it comes to judging Wirtz at Liverpool, arguing that criticism of the midfielder has been premature given the level of his performances on the international stage. Based on recent evidence, there is merit to that stance.
Speaking of managers, while we'll never know exactly how much Arne Slot's system contributed to Wirtz's underwhelming debut season, the German now finds himself with a fresh opportunity to show new boss Andoni Iraola that he can be a key figure in the Spaniard's vision for Liverpool.
It was certainly encouraging to hear Iraola speak enthusiastically about working with the players who failed to make their respective World Cup squads, but there is little doubt that he will also be paying close attention to those competing on football's biggest stage this summer.
Of course, Liverpool's hierarchy did not invest such a significant sum in Wirtz only to give up on him after one difficult season.
Likewise, a player of his caliber will almost certainly be a major part of Iraola's plans from day one.
Still, a standout World Cup could go a long way toward strengthening the trust between player and manager before a ball is even kicked in the 2026/27 campaign.
Personally, I have little doubt that Wirtz will eventually find his footing in a Liverpool shirt. Players with his level of talent rarely stay subdued for long. But if the German can put together a tournament to remember this summer, the process could accelerate considerably.
For Liverpool supporters eager to see the best version of Wirtz, there may be no better outcome than watching him return from the World Cup full of confidence, momentum, and ready to hit the ground running under Iraola.
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