Report claims Liverpool’s marquee summer arrival is frustrated with his start and has felt the weight of criticism
The Reds went through a dramatic transition last summer, as several key figures departed following Arne Slot’s title-winning campaign, making way for a wave of fresh faces in the dressing room.
Among those arrivals was Florian Wirtz, who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in June in a deal worth £116 million, briefly becoming the most expensive signing in Liverpool’s history before Alexander Isak later eclipsed that fee. While the German international has impressed with his overall performances, he is still searching for his first goal in a Liverpool shirt after 21 outings.
Wirtz reportedly affected by slow start
According to a detailed report from The Athletic, which explored the internal atmosphere at Liverpool following the summer rebuild, Wirtz has privately felt “disappointed” with how his spell on Merseyside has begun. The report suggests the 22-year-old has taken some of the criticism surrounding his lack of goals to heart, despite previously playing down concerns about the pressure that comes with a record-breaking transfer.
It’s also claimed that Wirtz is still settling into a squad packed with new personalities, as the post-overhaul Liverpool side continues to find its rhythm.
Strong performances, but no breakthrough goal yet
Despite his reported frustration, Wirtz’s influence on the pitch has been clear. Earning around £200,000 per week, he is one of the club’s biggest investments, and his situation highlights how expectation can weigh heavily even on elite players.
Adjusting to a new country, a new league, and the constant scrutiny of a global fanbase is no small task—particularly for a player who was regularly finding the net in Germany. The absence of a goal so far will feel especially painful given that he scored 16 times last season and 18 the year before, and even saw a potential first Liverpool strike against Sunderland credited instead as an own goal.
Still, those watching closely can see his quality. Former Reds striker Neil Mellor recently described Wirtz as “a joy to watch,” while Alan Shearer has praised his vision, movement between the lines, and ability to unlock stubborn defences.
Patience could be key
While Wirtz may be judging himself harshly, his all-round contribution suggests the breakthrough moment isn’t far away. Once that first goal arrives, it could ease the pressure and open the floodgates.
Even if the midfielder feels he hasn’t yet hit his own lofty standards, there’s little doubt that a large section of the Liverpool fanbase believes he’s already been a standout performer—and that the best is still to come.
