Jürgen Klopp Praises Florian Wirtz but Warns of Pressure Over £116m Liverpool Move

Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has lauded Germany international Florian Wirtz as an “outstanding player” but cautioned that the hefty £116 million price tag attached to his transfer to Liverpool could place an enormous burden on the 22-year-old.

Speaking to Welt, Klopp—who now serves as Head of Global Football Operations at Red Bull—described the record-breaking British transfer fee as “insane,” warning that Wirtz will face intense scrutiny if his form dips.

“There’s no question about it, it’s an insane sum,” Klopp said. “A player at Liverpool knows that if things don’t go well for two or three games, the criticism comes fast.”

The former Reds boss also acknowledged his past reluctance to pay exorbitant fees for players.

“I know I once said that I’m out if we pay 100 million euros for a player. But the world is changing. That’s just the way the market is now.”

While expressing admiration for Wirtz’s quality, Klopp was measured in his expectations.

“He’s an outstanding player who can give any club something great,” Klopp noted. “Whether he’ll make the reigning English champions even better remains to be seen.”

Wirtz is expected to join Liverpool’s pre-season tour of Asia in the coming weeks. His adjustment could be eased by the presence of former Bayer Leverkusen teammate Jeremie Frimpong, who also signed for Liverpool this summer.