Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz has reportedly issued a firm demand to Liverpool as talks over a potential €150 million transfer intensify: he wants to wear the club’s iconic No.10 shirt — or he won’t sign at all.
According to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Wirtz has made it clear to Liverpool that wearing the No.10 jersey, currently held by World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister, is a non-negotiable condition in any agreement. The number holds special significance for Wirtz, as he’s worn it throughout his rise at Leverkusen and for the German national team.
🗣️ “I respect Liverpool’s history. But if I’m joining, I need to feel like I belong. For me, that starts with the No.10 shirt,” Wirtz reportedly told close sources, as quoted by German outlet Bild. “It’s not about ego. It’s about identity. I’ve worn it at every step of my journey, and I want to continue that at Anfield.”
Liverpool, who have made Wirtz their number one summer target, recently had a €121 million offer rejected by Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, who are holding out for their full €150 million valuation.
The No.10 shirt at Liverpool has a storied past, previously worn by legends like Michael Owen, Philippe Coutinho, and Sadio Mané. It was handed to Alexis Mac Allister at the start of the 2023/24 season, and he played a key role in Liverpool’s recent Premier League title win.
This creates a potential dilemma for Liverpool boss Arne Slot, who must now navigate squad harmony, high-profile egos, and a record-breaking transfer — all while satisfying Wirtz’s demands.
Sources close to the club suggest there are “internal discussions” over whether Mac Allister could switch numbers in the event of Wirtz’s arrival. A solution could be proposed if the Argentine agrees to take a new number for next season — possibly the vacant No.8, once worn by Steven Gerrard, or No.21, which he wears for Argentina.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have already secured Jeremie Frimpong from Leverkusen and are close to finalizing a deal with Milos Kerkez, signaling a massive summer rebuild under Slot. But the Wirtz saga — and his shirt number ultimatum — is shaping up to be the most dramatic storyline of the window.
As one Anfield insider put it: 🗣️ “Liverpool can pay the price. But the No.10 jersey? That’s another negotiation altogether.”
