Florian Wirtz dismisses Liverpool number 10 shirt demands amid transfer speculation

Florian Wirtz has pushed back against reports claiming he has requested the number 10 shirt at Liverpool as part of a potential record-breaking move to Anfield.

The Bayer Leverkusen star, widely regarded as one of Europe's top young midfielders, responded via Instagram on Tuesday after speculation emerged suggesting he wanted to inherit the number currently worn by Alexis Mac Allister.

"Who says I want the 10?" Wirtz wrote in an Instagram story. "I respect players. Don't believe everything what's written."

The social media post adds intrigue to ongoing rumors that Liverpool have submitted a 130 million euro offer for the 21-year-old - a figure that would surpass the club's transfer record. While Wirtz did not confirm talks directly, the cryptic message indicates ongoing discussions behind the scenes.

Wirtz had been expected to remain in the Bundesliga next season, either continuing with Xabi Alonso's Leverkusen side or potentially making a high-profile switch to Bayern Munich. However, a source told ESPN that Wirtz is increasingly open to a move to the Premier League, particularly impressed by new Liverpool head coach Arne Slot's plans for the squad.

Germany captain Joshua Kimmich also weighed in on Wirtz's situation this week, admitting he would have liked to see the attacking midfielder join him at Bayern.

"He will have his reasons for making this decision," Kimmich said. "I hope it's the right path for him. As a Bayern player, I would have naturally wanted him to come to us."

Wirtz is coming off a standout campaign in which he played a central role in Leverkusen's Bundesliga title win. Across his career with the club, he has amassed 57 goals and 65 assists in 197 appearances - numbers that underscore why some of Europe's elite clubs are circling.

While the number 10 shirt may not be a priority for Wirtz, his potential move could become one of the biggest stories of the transfer window.

Broos names Nkosinathi Sibisi new Bafana skipper