Ten Hag admits replacing Wirtz will be difficult
Bayer Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag says replacing Florian Wirtz will be “almost impossible” following the midfielder’s €125 million move to Liverpool.
Wirtz played a key role in Leverkusen’s 2024 Bundesliga title, scoring 11 goals and providing 12 assists.
He matched those numbers last season with 10 goals and 13 assists as Xabi Alonso’s side finished second to Bayern Munich.
Leverkusen have endured a major summer overhaul, losing Jeremie Frimpong and Granit Xhaka, while Alonso departed for Real Madrid. Ten Hag was appointed as his replacement.
The club ended their pre-season with a 2-0 loss to Chelsea ahead of next weekend’s DFB Pokal tie against Sonnenhof Großaspach.
Speaking after the defeat, Ten Hag praised Wirtz’s quality and impact.
“There are some players, like Florian Wirtz, he is very young but already has a big impact on the game, for Leverkusen and the national team.
“Now we have to work together to replace him, but it’s almost impossible. We will go for it,” he said.
Leverkusen have signed Ibrahim Maza from Hertha Berlin for €12 million and Malik Tillman from PSV for €35 million as potential replacements. Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche is also a transfer target.
