Liverpool prepare club record bid to sign incredible Wirtz upgrade

Liverpoolthe summer transfer window of Arne Slot has sparked huge fear across the country, with the club spending heavily to bolster their title credentials in 2025/26.

The Reds won the Premier League the last time during the Dutchman’s first year at Anfield, which then led to a £450m spending spree in the off-season.

During such a spell of spending, Slot broke the club’s transfer record twice, with Alexander Isak being the most expensive arrival at £125m.

Thanks to the funds spent, various areas of the team have been significantly improved, but so far it has been to no avail, with the club currently sitting in fourth place after 21 matches.

However, the hierarchy has another chance to support Slot during the current window, which has led to many players currently appearing on their radar.

Liverpool prepare record deal for European star

Over the past few weeks, Liverpool have been one of many teams credited with interest when landing RB Leipzig striker Yan Diomande during the winter window.

The Ivory Coast international has enjoyed a phenomenal rise in 2025/26 so far, going on to score six times in the Bundesliga in his first 16 outings under Ole Werner.

As a result, the Reds face the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur for his signatureleading to a price tag of £100 million being quoted for his services.

Diomande isn’t the only player currently in their sights this window, with the Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham once again appearing firmly on the club’s radar.

According to a Spanish media outlet, the Reds consider €180m (£156m) bid for the England international, a deal which would constitute a new club record.

It also states that the Spanish giants are not currently looking to offload the 22-year-old, even considering the midfielder as untouchable and not for sale.

However, it also states that the Reds’ hierarchy are trying to convince the LaLiga club to enter into negotiations and make a deal possible – but such a move appears unlikely.

Why Bellingham would be better than Wirtz for Liverpool

As previously mentioned, Liverpool spent a small fortune on new arrivals during the summer window, with Florian Wirtz just a player who moved to Merseyside.

The German cost £116.5million including add-ons – a deal which was a club record – subsequently putting huge pressure on the attacking midfielder’s shoulders.

There is no denying that he has failed to live up to expectations at Anfield so far, with the 22-year-old scoring just twice and registering four assists in his first 26 outings in all competitions.

Wirtz has shown glimpses of his Quaker self over the past two weeks, subsequently recording a combined three goals and assists in his last five matches for the Reds.

However, he ultimately struggled to get going, which could have played a role in the hierarchy’s decision to pursue a move to Bellingham this winter.

The Englishman has been one of Europe’s stars in recent years, with a deal for the midfielder set to take the first team to the next level.

Comparing his stats to Wirtz’s from the current campaign, the Madrid star dominated in key areas, demonstrating why he would be a better player for the Reds.

Bellingham, which was labeled “world class” by journalist Henry Winter, has made more progressive passes and more passes into the final third per 90 this campaign.

Such numbers showcase his incredible ball-playing ability, while also possessing a more creative option than Wirtz, which could take Liverpool’s forwards to the next level.

How Bellingham and Wirtz compare in 2025/26
Statistics (by 90)	Bellingham	Wirtz
Games played	15	20
Goals and assists	7	3
Progressive passes	9.1	6.4
Success accuracy	89%	82%
Passes into the final third	6.7	3.7
Assume success	56%	50%
Progressive ports	2.5	2.1
Jumps won	52%	15%
Statistics via FRef

The England international also made more of the positions he attempted, highlighting his impressive ability to place the ball into dangerous areas on every occasion.

His overall dominance over the German is also reflected in his more progressive carries per 90 and his better aerial success rate – which could make him the perfect option for Slot’s team.

Bellingham can operate as a box-to-box option, or even as a number ten, which could make him the ideal fit for Liverpool’s interchangeable three-man midfield system.

Although such a deal would cost a small fortune, it could help the Reds get back on track in the near future, potentially allowing them to dominate England’s top flight once again.