Arne Slot insists Florian Wirtz must reach Salah’s level to meet Liverpool expectations

Arne Slot, Liverpool's head coach, emphasized that Florian Wirtz must achieve Mohamed Salah's level of consistent fitness to meet the club's high expectations following his record signing. Wirtz is set to make his Premier League debut in Liverpool's season opener against Bournemouth, with Slot noting his adaptation has exceeded initial projections but stressing that a full evaluation will require time.

Liverpool views the 22-year-old German international as a transformative signing, comparable to the impacts of Virgil van Dijk and Alisson, and Slot believes Wirtz can emulate Salah—who holds a Premier League record of nine goals in seven opening-day fixtures—in setting standards. When asked if Wirtz would elevate Liverpool to the next level, Slot responded cautiously, stating the answer depends on future performance and highlighting fitness as critical in the demanding league, citing examples like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Salah.

The club paid an initial £100 million for Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, potentially rising to a British-record £116 million with add-ons, after beating Bayern Munich and Manchester City to secure him. Slot dismissed the notion of this being a "statement signing," pointing to Liverpool's history of major acquisitions like Van Dijk and Alisson and inflation-adjusted costs, and explained Wirtz was targeted for his unique profile to diversify the squad.

Liverpool's summer spending surpassed £300 million with the impending signing of 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma for an initial £26 million. The club is also pursuing further reinforcements, including Marc Guéhi and Alexander Isak.

Slot addressed several departures, expressing regret over Trent Alexander-Arnold's exit and noting that players like Caoimhín Kelleher and Jarell Quansah may be sold if they struggle mentally with limited playing time. He confirmed that situations involving Luís Diaz and Darwin Núñez necessitated replacements, asserting Liverpool handled the squad overhaul effectively by securing desired targets.