Liverpool Fans Demand 'Start the Season Now!' After Witnessing Wirtz's £116M Debut Magic

The £116M Man Takes Center Stage

Liverpool's record-breaking signing Florian Wirtz finally made his unofficial debut for the Reds, and the German maestro didn't disappoint. In a behind-closed-doors friendly against Championship side Stoke City at the AXA Training Centre, Wirtz showcased exactly why Liverpool shattered their transfer record to bring him from Bayer Leverkusen. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder, who cost an initial £100 million plus £16 million in add-ons, demonstrated the technical brilliance that made him one of Europe's most coveted talents.

Playing in a midfield role alongside Curtis Jones and teenage sensation Trey Nyoni, Wirtz immediately looked at home in Liverpool's system. His partnership with Darwin Nunez proved particularly effective, as the Uruguayan striker capitalized on Wirtz's creativity to score a sensational first-half hat-trick. The German international's vision and passing range were on full display as he orchestrated attacks from deep positions, threading passes through Stoke's defensive lines with surgical precision.

Fan Euphoria Reaches Fever Pitch

The reaction from Liverpool supporters has been nothing short of ecstatic. Social media platforms exploded with praise for Wirtz's performance, with fans struggling to contain their excitement about what they witnessed. One supporter captured the mood perfectly: 'Wirtz with 2 assists in his debut,' while another declared, 'I don't think the Premier League is ready for Florian Wirtz. We actually signed a generational gem'.

The most telling reaction came from fans demanding immediate action: 'Wirtz is real. Let's start the season right now,' perfectly encapsulating the anticipation building around Anfield. Liverpool legend Didi Hamann's prediction seems to be materializing before our eyes, as he stated: 'It won't be long before the Liverpool fans fall in love with Florian Wirtz. I believe that after just a few weeks, he'll be a fan favourite'. The German's technical ability was so evident that supporters were already making comparisons to world-class players, with one fan noting: 'That Wirtz touch and strength, takes 3 seconds to realise he's world class'.

Darwin's Hat-Trick Overshadowed by Wirtz Magic

While Darwin Nunez grabbed the headlines with his clinical hat-trick, it was Wirtz's creativity that made it possible. The German international provided two assists in his debut appearance, first driving through midfield to create the opening goal that Nunez converted after Wirtz's pass was only half-cleared. His second assist came from a smart pass at the edge of the box, setting up Rio Ngumoha for a deflected effort that found the net.

Virgil van Dijk's reaction during training sessions has been particularly telling. The Liverpool captain was heard saying 'oh my goodness' after witnessing Wirtz produce a moment of individual brilliance during shooting drills in Hong Kong. This emotional response from one of the world's best defenders speaks volumes about the German's quality. Federico Chiesa, another new signing, also contributed to the 5-0 victory with a goal in the second half, but it was Wirtz who dominated discussions among fans and pundits alike.

Breaking Down the Record Transfer

Liverpool's investment in Wirtz represents more than just a transfer – it's a statement of intent from the Premier League champions. The deal, worth up to £116 million, makes Wirtz the most expensive player in British football history, surpassing the previous record set by Moises Caicedo's move to Chelsea. The transfer fee structure includes an initial £100 million payment with £16 million in performance-related bonuses, heavily tied to Liverpool's success in major competitions.

The German international's statistics from his final season at Bayer Leverkusen justify the massive outlay. In 2024-25, Wirtz recorded 10 goals and 12 assists in 31 Bundesliga appearances, ranking second in the league for assists while leading in successful dribbles with 82. His creativity stats are even more impressive – since making his Bundesliga debut in 2020, he has created 253 chances from open play, with only Thomas Muller recording more in that timeframe. These numbers explain why Liverpool were willing to break their transfer record to secure his services.

Cultural Impact and Community Response

The signing of Wirtz has generated significant discussion across football communities, particularly on Reddit where Liverpool fans have been analyzing every aspect of his move. International supporters have been particularly vocal about their excitement, with Canadian and US-based fans expressing their joy at the signing. The global nature of Liverpool's fanbase means Wirtz's arrival has been celebrated across continents, with supporters from different cultures united in their appreciation for the German's talent.

Manchester City fans have also weighed in on the transfer, with many acknowledging it as a 'crazy signing' given the substantial investment Liverpool made. This cross-fanbase recognition of Wirtz's quality demonstrates the universal respect he commands in football circles. Former Germany internationals have been particularly supportive, with Lothar Matthaus stating: 'He's taking on a big challenge. It's not just a new club. It's a new mentality, a new language. But this step also shows that he's not afraid'. These endorsements from respected figures in German football add weight to Liverpool's decision to pursue the young star.

Tactical Analysis and Future Prospects

Arne Slot's tactical setup in the friendly provided glimpses of how Wirtz might be utilized in competitive matches. The German operated primarily from the left side of midfield, allowing him to drift wide and create overloads while also moving centrally to link play. His ability to play multiple positions – attacking midfielder, inverted winger, and false nine – gives Slot tactical flexibility that could prove crucial in different match situations.

The concern for Dominik Szoboszlai's position has already surfaced among fans, with some noting that the Hungarian midfielder might find his playing time reduced. However, Wirtz's versatility means Liverpool can deploy both players in different formations, potentially using a more attacking setup in home matches against defensive opponents. The German's pressing statistics from his Leverkusen days – leading the Bundesliga with 1.25 high turnovers per 90 minutes – suggest he'll fit perfectly into Liverpool's high-intensity style.

Looking Ahead to Premier League Action

With Liverpool's Premier League opener against Bournemouth scheduled for August 15, anticipation is building for Wirtz's competitive debut. The friendly against Stoke City was just a taste of what's to come, and if his unofficial debut is any indication, Premier League defenses should be worried. His father's recent comments about Arne Slot's influence on the transfer decision provide insight into the player's mindset: 'Arne Slot has impressed Florian with what he's done on the pitch. He's also a very pleasant person'.

The German international has set ambitious targets for his Liverpool career, stating: 'I'm not coming to have fun here, I want also to achieve something and give the fans what they deserve. Last season they won the Premier League, so my goal is for sure to win it again and also to go further in the Champions League'. With such determination and the quality he displayed against Stoke City, Liverpool fans have every reason to believe their record signing will deliver on these promises. As one supporter perfectly summarized the mood: 'This guy is going to be unbelievable'.