Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz has publicly rejected claims that he demanded to wear the No. 10 jersey as a condition for a potential transfer to Liverpool.
Wirtz Shuts Down “Clown” Rumors
The 21-year-old star responded directly to a report from Sky Germany that suggested he had asked to take the iconic shirt number. Taking to Instagram on Tuesday night, Wirtz posted a short but clear message to dismiss the story.
“Who says I want the 10? I respect players,” he wrote. He followed this with, “Don’t believe everything you read,” and added a clown emoji to show his disbelief over the speculation. His firm denial comes as he prepares to represent Germany in their Nations League semi-final against Portugal on Wednesday.
A Storied Shirt Number
The No. 10 shirt at Liverpool is currently worn by World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister. The number carries a rich history at the club, previously worn by legends such as John Barnes, Michael Owen, Philippe Coutinho, and Sadio Mané. Any suggestion of a new player demanding it would be seen as highly controversial.
Transfer Saga Continues
Wirtz remains strongly linked with a record-breaking move to Liverpool. Reports claim he has already turned down an offer from Bayern Munich, making the Premier League side the clear frontrunner for his signature. The potential transfer has been fueled further by Liverpool’s recent signing of Wirtz’s Leverkusen teammate, Dutch right-back Jeremie Frimpong. While speculation is intense, nothing official has been confirmed regarding a final agreement between the clubs.
Our Take: A Sign of Maturity and Respect
In an era where transfer sagas can become distracting circuses, Florian Wirtz’s public statement is a sign of immense maturity. By personally and swiftly shutting down these rumors, he achieves two things. First, he shows profound respect for the current No. 10, Alexis Mac Allister, and for Liverpool’s history—a gesture that will undoubtedly endear him to fans. Second, he takes control of the narrative, dismissing media noise so the focus can remain on his football and the actual negotiations. It’s a smart, professional move that reflects very well on his character.
The Power of Social Media in Transfers
This incident is a perfect example of the modern transfer saga. Twenty years ago, a rumor like this would circulate for days or weeks, with the player having little ability to respond. Today, players can debunk a story in seconds with a simple Instagram post. This represents a significant power shift, allowing players to communicate directly with their audience and fight misinformation. Wirtz’s use of a simple message and an emoji was an incredibly efficient way to end a story that could have become an unnecessary distraction.
What to Watch For
- His International Performance: All eyes will be on Wirtz in Germany’s upcoming Nations League match. A standout performance will only increase the transfer buzz and Liverpool’s desire to finalize the deal.
- The Clubs’ Reaction: With this minor drama now squashed, the focus returns to the main event: can Liverpool and Leverkusen agree on a final, record-breaking transfer fee?
- The Media Response: How will Sky Germany and other outlets react to being publicly called out by the player?
Down below you can see the tweet from @SamueILFC:
