Florian Wirtz tells Arne Slot how to unlock his full potential at Liverpool

Florian Wirtz looks set to join Liverpool this summer, and the 22-year-old German playmaker has already outlined how manager Arne Slot can unlock his full potential at Anfield.

Liverpool are currently in advanced talks with Bayer Leverkusen and have submitted a third bid worth £100m plus £15m in add-ons. While Leverkusen continue to hold out for £124m, the Reds remain optimistic of completing the deal.

Manchester City and Bayern Munich were also interested in Wirtz, but the player has made it clear that his preference is to join Slot’s exciting rebuild at Liverpool.

Wirtz, who has played in various attacking roles at Leverkusen, says his best performances come when operating as a No.10 with the freedom to create.

"What I do is mostly very spontaneous because it appears to be the best solution for me in that situation," Wirtz told Werkself Magazin. "Sometimes I know beforehand what the opponent will do, and then it's easier to do my own tricks."

He added: "It’s definitely one of my strengths that sometimes I know in advance what will happen — and then I can concentrate on the solution. I’ve learned to watch what the others do and then make the best decision."

Known for his high work rate and tactical intelligence, Wirtz said he enjoys contributing defensively as well: "I give everything in every game... I also look for challenges or run back because I know that’s part of helping my team."

Arne Slot, who favors an attacking 4-2-3-1 system, is expected to build around Wirtz in a central role. The deal would make Wirtz one of the most expensive signings in Liverpool history.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have already secured the signing of Jeremie Frimpong as a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has joined Real Madrid. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is arriving from Valencia, and talks are progressing with Bournemouth over left-back Milos Kerkez.