'/%3e%3cdefs%3e%3clinearGradient%20id='prefix__paint0_linear_4737_37157'%20x1='3.018'%20y1='23.6'%20x2='44.925'%20y2='24.977'%20gradientUnits='userSpaceOnUse'%3e%3cstop%20stop-color='%231CB7FF'/%3e%3cstop%20offset='.502'%20stop-color='%232FF58B'/%3e%3c/linearGradient%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Bastian Schweinsteiger sends message to Liverpool over £116m Florian Wirtz transfer
Oct 07 2025 11:40 · By Tony Mogan
· View Original
Wirtz was dropped from the starting XI for the Chelsea game (Picture: Getty Images)
Former Manchester United star Bastian Schweinsteiger has leapt to the defence of Florian Wirtz as the German’s struggles at Liverpool continue, confident his countryman will come good.
Wirtz became the most expensive player in Premier League history when he left Bayer Leverkusen to join the Premier League champions during the summer transfer window for £116million.
After a series of underwhelming performances, the Germany international came in for stinging criticism from Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher following the limp Champions League defeat to Galatasaray last week.
Arne Slot did just that with Wirtz dropping to the bench for the Premier League clash with Chelsea on Saturday.
The 23-year-old did come on at half-time, almost providing a marvellous assist for Mohamed Salah with his first touch, but was unable to prevent his side falling to a 2-1 defeat in west London.
Germany legend Schweinsteiger made the same move from the Bundesliga to the Premier League a decade ago.
While one of Europe’s finest midfielders during his pomp at Bayern Munich, he struggled in England with United where he made just 35 appearances.
Speaking at his induction into the German Football Hall of Fame, Schweinsteiger offered his support to the ‘fantastic’ Liverpool star, urging his critics to give him more time.
Schweinsteiger believes Wirtz will deliver (Picture: Getty Images)
‘We have to give the players a bit of time. Especially when you move from the Bundesliga to the Premier League, you also have to adjust a bit. I’ve experienced that myself,’ he said.
‘Florian Wirtz is a fantastic footballer, a great character. We should be happy that we have such a player in Germany.’
Fellow German legend Philipp Lahm also insisted ‘class always prevails’, dismissing fears over Wirtz’s ability to thrive in England.
‘I’m not worried about Florian Wirtz at all because he’s such an outstanding, brilliant player who simply makes his teammates better,’ Lahm said.
Wirtz is still to register a goal or assist (Picture: Getty)
