'Everything will be different' - Florian Wirtz given warning ahead of Liverpool move but Toni Kroos insists Bayer Leverkusen hero can succeed 'anywhere'

Wirtz is expected to join Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen this summer, with Fabrizio Romano reporting the Reds have submitted a bid above €100 million (£84m/$114m). The attacking midfielder has reportedly opted to move to Anfield after turning down an approach from Bayern Munich.

The 22-year-old was a key part of Leverkusen's exceptional 2023-24 season under Xabi Alonso and while the club fell short of retaining their Bundesliga title this term, Wirtz's performance was a major highlight as he scored 15 goals and set up a further 16 in all competitions. His former Germany team-mate says the playmaker must prepare for a massive change when he heads to England, but is confident he will thrive.

Speaking to Sky Sport, former Leverkusen, Bayern and Real Madrid midfielder Kroos weighed in on the move, saying: "Wirtz is so good that he can assert himself anywhere. Whether it's the right move can only be judged later.
"No matter where he would have gone now, whether to Bayern or Liverpool: Everything will be different from Bayer Leverkusen. We'll remain excited."

Talks between the Premier League champions and Leverkusen are expected to continue this week, with a deal potentially announced soon. If completed, Wirtz would become one of the Reds' most expensive ever signings.