The Champions League is back with a bang, and all eyes are on Liverpool’s latest marquee signing, Florian Wirtz, as he faces mounting pressure to deliver on his hefty price tag. The 22-year-old German midfielder, who made waves with his high-profile move from Bayer Leverkusen to Anfield for a fee that could reach £116 million, is still searching for his first Premier League goal or assist. But inside the Liverpool camp, confidence remains high that Wirtz and fellow summer recruit Milos Kerkez will soon justify the club’s ambitious spending spree.
It’s been a whirlwind summer on Merseyside. Liverpool, fresh off a Premier League title, didn’t hesitate to reinforce their squad, making Alexander Isak the most expensive British football transfer in history with a £125 million switch from Newcastle United. Wirtz, who turned down Bayern Munich to join the Premier League, arrived with the weight of expectation and the hopes of a fanbase eager for fresh creativity in the final third.
So far, the Reds have made a perfect start in the league, winning all four of their opening fixtures. Yet, not all performances have been flawless. Wirtz, in particular, has endured a rocky start as he adapts to the physicality and intensity of English football. The German press has been quick to criticize, with one outlet describing him as a “rusty, misfiring Ford Pinto.” That’s harsh, but it’s clear the scrutiny is intense, especially after Wirtz’s decision to snub his homeland’s biggest club for a new challenge abroad.
Manager Arne Slot, who has masterminded Liverpool’s strong start, remains patient with his big-money arrivals. According to renowned transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano, the mood within Anfield is upbeat. “Very good. Of course, not all performances have been excellent, but Liverpool back their signings and are convinced that they will be at their top level soon,” Romano shared in his latest GIVEMESPORT newsletter. That optimism extends to Kerkez, the 21-year-old Hungarian left-back signed from Bournemouth for £40 million, who has been tasked with succeeding Andy Robertson in the long term.
Kerkez has already become a regular starter, but he’s had his own teething problems. In Liverpool’s recent victory over Burnley, he was substituted in the first half after picking up a yellow card for diving—a decision that drew criticism from Slot. Still, Kerkez’s underlying numbers are promising; he boasted a 96% pass accuracy before being taken off, suggesting composure and technical ability that will serve him well as he settles in.
Wirtz’s adaptation has been more closely watched, given the size of his transfer and the creative responsibilities he shoulders. He has shown flashes of his “brilliance,” as German icon Philipp Lahm put it, particularly in a standout performance against Arsenal, one of Liverpool’s main title rivals. Lahm’s endorsement carries weight, and Liverpool fans will be hoping those glimpses soon translate into tangible contributions on the scoresheet.
With the Champions League group stage underway, Wirtz is under the microscope once again. Liverpool’s upcoming home clash against Atletico Madrid is widely seen as an opportunity for the young playmaker to find his rhythm. The Spanish side, known for their disciplined defense, might just provide the stage for Wirtz to silence his critics and announce himself on the European stage in a Liverpool shirt.
There’s also hope that the imminent debut of Alexander Isak will relieve some of the pressure on Wirtz. Slot hinted that Isak could make his first appearance against Atletico, or possibly in the following league match. “He will be able—either Wednesday or Saturday—to play 45 as a minimum, maybe a bit more,” Slot stated over the weekend. The Swedish striker’s arrival has already generated excitement, and his presence up front could create more space and opportunities for Wirtz to operate.
Of course, the scrutiny isn’t limited to the new boys. Liverpool’s squad is brimming with talent, but the expectation is relentless. The club’s willingness to invest heavily in the transfer market has raised the bar, and fans are hungry for both domestic and European success. The pressure on Wirtz is amplified not just by his price tag, but by the club’s recent history of transformative signings—think Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Alisson Becker, all of whom hit the ground running and became instant icons.
But adaptation takes time, and the Premier League is a notoriously tough proving ground for even the most gifted imports. The physicality, the pace, the media glare—it’s a different beast from the Bundesliga. Wirtz’s early struggles are hardly unique, and the club’s faith in his long-term potential is unwavering. As Romano emphasized, “Liverpool back their signings and are convinced that they will be at their top level soon.”
Kerkez, meanwhile, continues to learn the ropes in one of the league’s most demanding positions. Tasked with following in Robertson’s footsteps, the Hungarian international has shown both promise and inexperience. His early substitution against Burnley was a learning moment, but his technical skills and passing accuracy suggest a player with the tools to succeed. The club’s plan is clear: invest in youth, back them to adapt, and reap the rewards down the line.
Looking ahead, Liverpool’s fixture list offers both challenges and opportunities. The Champions League group stage is notoriously unforgiving, and Atletico Madrid will be a stern test. But it’s also a chance for Wirtz to step up and show why Liverpool fought so hard to bring him to Anfield. A strong performance in Europe could be the catalyst he needs to kickstart his Premier League campaign and win over any doubters.
As for the big picture, Liverpool’s summer spending spree has set the stage for a fascinating season. With Isak, Wirtz, and Kerkez all bedding in, the Reds have added youth, dynamism, and depth to an already formidable squad. The early signs are positive, with four wins from four in the league, but the real tests are just beginning. For Wirtz and Kerkez, the message from within the club is clear: patience, belief, and trust in their ability to deliver when it matters most.
As the Champions League drama unfolds and the Premier League race heats up, Liverpool fans will be watching closely to see if their new signings can rise to the occasion. The pressure is on, but so is the opportunity. For Wirtz, Kerkez, and the Reds, the next few weeks could be defining.
