Slot claims star sold this summer ‘worth £240m’

Liverpool Back Arne Slot as Florian Wirtz Adjusts to Premier League Demands

Wirtz’s slow start draws scrutiny

Florian Wirtz arrived at Liverpool this summer with the weight of expectation heavy on his shoulders. The £116 million signing from Bayer Leverkusen was heralded as one of Europe’s brightest attacking midfielders, yet his early weeks in England have been challenging. Without a goal or assist in the Premier League, critics have been quick to question whether he can justify such a fee.

Arne Slot, however, has moved to defend his marquee addition. After Wirtz showed flashes of brilliance in Liverpool’s 3-2 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid, the manager insisted that the German international has the mentality required to succeed at Anfield. “I think to say that he’s [only] an artist doesn’t do him justice,” Slot said. “He is an artist, but he can be mean as well.”

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Slot’s faith in mentality over money

Liverpool’s new boss was keen to stress that Wirtz’s adaptation period is natural. Slot argued that the player’s willingness to demand the ball, even after mistakes, is proof of his resilience. “He’s not going to hide, he wants the third one, he wants the fourth one,” Slot explained.

For Slot, the discussion around transfer fees is often exaggerated. He even used Trent Alexander-Arnold as an example, suggesting that had Liverpool cashed in earlier, his value could have reached £240 million. “What happened if we would have sold Trent when he had two years to go? Then we would have been £240m,” Slot said, drawing comparisons with other high-profile transfers across the Premier League.

Adjustment to Liverpool’s intensity

What makes this challenge unique for Wirtz, according to Slot, is the leap in intensity from the Bundesliga to the Premier League. The Dutchman acknowledged that the adaptation process takes time but highlighted the player’s constant appetite for possession as a promising sign. “He just always wants to keep the ball, always keeps on trying. And he gets better and better, and fitter and fitter,” Slot added.

Slot’s vision for development

Liverpool’s season is still young, and Slot is managing a packed schedule with three games in seven days. Yet his support for Wirtz is unwavering. The manager’s emphasis on mentality, work ethic, and long-term progression reflects a broader vision for Liverpool under his stewardship. Wirtz may not have delivered statistically yet, but Slot’s message is clear: the talent is there, the mentality is there, and the goals will come.

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