Exclusive: Steven Gerrard is eager for ‘great talent’ Florian Wirtz to transfer to Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen.

Steven Gerrard has thrown his weight behind Liverpool’s pursuit of Florian Wirtz, as the club intensifies its efforts to secure the Bayer Leverkusen star.

Recent reports have indicated that the Premier League champions have initiated discussions with the Bundesliga outfit regarding a potential multi-million pound transfer for the highly-rated attacking midfielder. With Liverpool appearing to be the frontrunners for the 22-year-old’s signature, club legend Gerrard believes it is crucial for the Reds to finalise the deal.

Wirtz has made a significant impact in the Bundesliga, racking up 23 league assists over the past two seasons, a tally that only trails Liverpool’s own Mohamed Salah, who has 28. His contributions were pivotal in Leverkusen’s historic unbeaten title triumph in the 2023/24 season and their strong second-place finish last term.

“There are rumours obviously, Florian Wirtz,” Gerrard told TNT Sports. “A big talent, who’s done fantastic for Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen. He’s got a huge future in front of him, so if Liverpool is the place for him, let’s hope we can make it happen.”

Since the start of the 2023/24 season, the assist leaders in the top five European leagues have been as follows: Mohamed Salah (28), Florian Wirtz (23), Alex Baena (23), Ollie Watkins (21), Michael Olise (21), and Julian Brandt (21), according to Opta.

After clinching the title last season, Liverpool has already made strides in the transfer market this summer, bringing in Jeremie Frimpong from Leverkusen. Gerrard anticipates further signings as the club aims to solidify its position at the pinnacle of English football.

“I think you’ve got to fix the roof while the sun is shining,” he stated. “We never had a big summer window last year because we already had a team and a squad ready to challenge, but I think if you want to go to the next step, it’s important to keep improving, keep pushing.”

Gerrard continued, “Frimpong’s done and there’s obviously a lot of rumours swirling around really good, talented players. It looks like Liverpool are going to be the team to catch, and I have every confidence they are going to be stronger next year.”

Liverpool’s remarkable season saw them secure a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title with four games to spare, finishing 10 points clear of Arsenal in second place. This achievement was particularly impressive given that manager Arne Slot clinched the title in his debut season at Anfield, a feat that left Gerrard in awe.

“Incredible,” he remarked on Slot’s debut campaign. “I think to follow in the footsteps of Jurgen Klopp and the job that he’s done, I think he’s fitted in seamlessly. Tactically, he’s been a breath of fresh air, and to win the league in your first year is an incredible achievement, so congratulations to him.”

Despite the successful campaign, Gerrard cautioned the club and players against complacency, expecting fierce competition for their title next season.

“It’s the most difficult league in the world. Liverpool will be well aware that City are going to come back, Arsenal are looking stronger again, the likes of Chelsea are building nicely, Newcastle, Villa are coming in behind. Liverpool will be well aware that they’re going to be the ones that are hunted now. But evidence suggests that Liverpool are going to be strong in the transfer market, so Liverpool are the team to catch for sure.”

He added, “I think you’ve got to be wary of City and Guardiola. The best manager in the world. They’ve done it four years on the spin, they lost Rodri, which was a big blow to them. I think with a fully fit squad, and they’re going to recruit as well, the team that finishes above City will win it again and hopefully, that’s Liverpool.”

In addition to potential new signings, Gerrard expressed his delight at the club securing extended contracts for Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. While the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold was a blow, Gerrard believes retaining Salah and Van Dijk is paramount for the club’s continued success.

On Salah, Gerrard noted the forward’s ‘hunger’ to build on an exceptional individual season, where he netted 29 league goals and recorded a record-equalling 47 goal involvements in the league, along with 57 in all competitions—more than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues this campaign.

“They’re two very important players,” said Gerrard. “Both world-class, both in peak condition. It was so important, arguably going to be the two most important signings in the next three to four years, because we want to continue to build on this league now and hopefully post more silverware in the next season.”

He concluded, “I think evidence suggests that he [Salah] is very consistent. He’s scored goals every year he’s been at Liverpool. We all know his professionalism. He lives and breathes the game, he’s got the talent and he’s got the hunger to continue to do so, and I’ve got every confidence in him.”